Society and Health : Sociology for Health Professionals

For the first time, a guide to the sociology of health and healthcare that addresses the needs of both sociologists and health professionals. Written by a career health professional with a medical sociology background, Thomas applies sociological concepts to current healthcare issues, incorporates the latest findings from health services research, and provides clear examples of the uses of sociology in understanding the U.S. healthcare system. Each chapter contains illustrative boxed material, exhibits highlighting key information, suggested readings, and useful websites for more information. With over 30 years of experience, the author provides valuable insights into the social aspects of health behavior and reveals an in-depth understanding of the social dimensions of the health delivery system. The book is a textbook for students of sociology and health, as well as a reference book for instructors and practitioners in the healthcare and sociology fields. For The First Time, A Guide To The Sociology Of Health And Healthcare That Addresses The Needs Of Both Sociologist And Healthcare Professionals Is Available. Written By A Career Health Professional With A Medical Sociology Background, Society And Health: Sociology For Health Professionals Applies Sociological Concepts To Current Healthcare Issues, Incorporates The Latest Findings From Health Services Research, And Provides Clear Examples Of The Uses Of Sociology In Understanding The U.s. Healthcare System. Each Chapter Contains Illustrative Boxed Material, Exhibits Highlighting Key Information, Suggestions For Further Reading, And Websites That Provide More Useful Information.--jacket. Introduction To The Sociology Of Health And Illness -- The Field Of Sociology -- Basic Tenets Of Sociology -- Why A Sociology Of Health And Illness? -- Social Roots Of Healthcare -- The History Of The Sociology Of Health And Illness -- The Nature Of The Sociology Of Health And Illness -- The Language Of Healthcare -- Defining Health -- Defining Non-health: Illness, Sickness, And Disease -- Defining Healthcare -- Physical Illness And Mental Illness -- The Societal Context Of Healthcare -- The Institutional Framework -- The Cultural Dimension Of Healthcare -- The Nature Of Culture -- Language: The Foundation For Culture -- The Components Of Non-material Culture -- Cultural Complexity In The United States -- The Interface Of The Social System And Culture -- Cultures And Subcultures -- The U.s. Healthcare Institution -- The Evolution Of Modern Healthcare -- The Paradigmatic Approach -- The Stages Of Healthcare Development -- The Emergence Of The U.s. Healthcare System -- The Organization Of U.s. Healthcare -- Social Groups In Society And Healthcare -- The Nature Of Social Groups -- Group Size -- Types Of Social Groups -- Changing Group Structure -- Social Support And Health -- Social Networks -- Group Influences On Health Behavior -- Formal Organizations -- Types Of Formal Organizations -- The Corporatization Of Healthcare -- Occupations And Professions In Healthcare -- The Sociology Of Occupations And Professions -- The Occupational Structure Of Healthcare -- Health Professions -- Social Stratification Within Healthcare. Richard K. Thomas. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Introduction to the Sociology of Health and Illness....Pages 1-14 The Language of Healthcare....Pages 15-33 The Societal Context of Healthcare....Pages 35-53 The Cultural Dimension of Healthcare....Pages 55-74 The U.S. Healthcare Institution....Pages 75-99 Social Groups in Society and Healthcare....Pages 101-124 Occupations and Professions in Healthcare....Pages 125-155 Social Epidemiology....Pages 157-178 The Social Dimension of Health Status....Pages 179-211 The Social Dimension of Sickness Behavior....Pages 213-245 Social Stratiffication in Society and Healthcare....Pages 247-276 Deviance and Control in Society and Healthcare....Pages 277-297 The Sociology of Mental Illness....Pages 299-327 Social Change, Technology, and Healthcare....Pages 329-345 Contains illustrative boxed material, exhibits highlighting key information, suggested readings, and useful websites for more information Incorporates the latest findings from health services research, and provides clear examples of the uses of sociology in understanding the U.S. healthcare system -Rick Thomas brings his 30 years experience in the field to the text making it very applied and accessible. -Lots of boxed material. -"Recommended" purchase for all librarians as reviewed in the June 2004 issue of CHOICE.