Understanding the sociology of health : an introduction / Anne-Marry Barry and Chris Yuill.

Includes bibliography and index

Section 1: Theories, perspectives and concepts Sociological theory: explaining and theorising Understanding health and wellbeing A brief history of health and healing Climate change, nature and wellbeing Section 2: Key themes Inequality and health Gender and health Race, ethnicity and health Mental health and emotional distress Sexualities and health (with Megan Todd) Sociology of the body: chronic illness and disability Health, ageing and the life course Section 3: Contexts Pandemics and society Health policy Sport health, exercise and wellbeing Death and dying Health technologies

"Why do health inequalities exist? How do gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or class affect health? What is the healthcare impact of technology? How does climate change relate to health and illness and what does sociology have to teach us about pandemics? This textbook exists to answer these complex questions providing a complete overview of all the key sociological debates, themes, theories and research. Key features: Takes a global perspective providing comparative examples throughout Grapples with the most pressing healthcare debates including climate change and environment, pandemics and society, racism, health inequality and gender identity Breaks the complexities down using extremely clear language throughout Lecturers and instructors can also access a range of additional teaching resources available from the SAGE website. Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health"--