Medicine, Health and Society
- Hannah Bradby - Visiting Fellow, King's College London
Medical Sociology
This book provides a contemporary account of why medical sociology matters in our modern society. Combining theoretical and empirical perspectives, and applying the pragmatic demands of policy, this Hannah Bradby explores society's response to key issues such as race, gender and identity to explain the relationship between sociology, medicine and medical sociology.
Each chapter includes an authoritative introduction to pertinent areas of debate, a clear summary of key issues and themes and dedicated bibliography.
In this timely book, Hannah Bradby brings together classic sociological writings and the latest research on the links between medicine, health and society. Bradby discusses a range of important issues with three main themes: patterns of illness in populations, health and illness in everyday life, and the promise and pitfalls of modern health care systems. Bradby offers insightful analysis as well as synthesis in areas such as inequalities, gender and ethnicity, where she is a leading expert. Throughout the book, Bradby's command of her material is impressive, and expressed in an approachable and lively style. Highly commended - a key work for all students of medical sociology
Mike Bury
Professor Emeritus of Royal Holloway College
The book covers a wide range of topics within sociology and medicine. The book is split into chapters of different subjects, divided into segments with an introduction, critical discussions, a conclusion and references.
I would adopt this book for higher education study. It is a heavy textbook, without diagrams or pictures, these are not needed as the topics in the book are covered clearly and in detail.
An really interesting medical sociology text which chapters on the sociology of body and pain which I have recommended.
a good supplemental text that is useful across levels, have recommended as extended reading
I have asked the students whom I teach at MSc level to consider reading this book as part of their supplementary reading. It is insightful and gives a public health point of view.
A really great introduction. Students are provided here with an accessible overview of the key issues in sociology of health and illness. Very well written and an invaluable resource - for students of sociology and social policy, it should also be read by health professionals in their training too.
The book is very good, but on inspection is not a good match for the student population on my course (biomedical science students in 3rd year). The book covers key topics we address in the course (eg. relating to the social organisation of medicine, including some sociology of health and illness), but from a more sociological perspective than is taken in other course materials. I also teach (selected sessions) on an MSc Public Health and Health Services Research module 'Health and Society', for which this book is likely to be a good source reference and will consider using this as a supplemental reading in the sessions coming up in March. It would be better suited to this student audience, at Masters level, than to undergrad biomedical science students.
a well written textbook that fills a gap in provision so far for students to appreciate the connections between these fields
I found this a useful text for student midwives to have an introduction to sociology linked to medicine and health. It is well written and easy to understand and has relevant theories explained within it. The reading lists for each chapter give students further reading around the relevant topics.
An interesting, concise textbook which is ideal for students at all three levels, where they are looking for supporting material for their arguments.
