Contemporary Theorists for Medical Sociology [Paperback]

Contemporary Theorists for Medical Sociologyexplores the work of key social theorists and the application of their ideas to issues around health and illness.

Encouraging students and researchers to use mainstream sociological thought to inform and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the many arenas of health and healthcare, this text discusses and critically reviews the work of several influential contemporary thinkers, including  Foucault, Bauman, Habermas, Luhmann, Bourdieu, Merleau-Ponty, Wallerstein, Archer, Deleuze, Guattari, and Castells.

Each chapter includes a critical introduction to the central theses of a major social theorist, ways in which their ideas might inform medical sociology and some worked examples of how their ideas can be applied. Containing contributions from established scholars, rising stars and innovative practitioners, this book is a valuable read for those studying and researching the sociology of health and illness.

Introduction  Theory, Theorists And The Sociology Of Health / Graham Scambler  Chapter 1. Foucault, Health And Healthcare / Alan Petersen  Chapter 2. Consuming Bodies: Zygmunt Bauman On The Difference Between Fitness And Health / Paul Higgs  Chapter 3. Jurgen Habermas: Politics And Morality In Health And Medicine / Gemma Edwards  Chapter 4. Luhmanns Social Systems Theory, Health And Illness / Barry Gibson And Olga Boiko  Chapter 5. Bourdieu And The Impact Of Health And Illness In The Lifeworld / Sasha Scambler  Chapter 6. Merleau-Ponty, Medicine And The Body / Nick Crossley  Chapter 7. World System Theory And The Epidemiological Transition / Martin Hyde And Anthony Rosie  Chapter 8. Archer, Morphogenesis And The Role Of Agency In The Sociology Of Health Inequal„