Main description:

Contemporary Theorists for Medical Sociology explores 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.

Contents:

Introduction: Theory, Theorists And The Sociology Of Health 1. Foucault, Health And Healthcare 2. Consuming Bodies: Zygmunt Bauman On The Difference Between Fitness And Health 3. Jurgen Habermas: Politics And Morality In Health And Medicine 4. Luhmann's Social Systems Theory, Health And Illness 5. Bourdieu And The Impact Of Health And Illness In The Lifeworld 6. Merleau-Ponty, Medicine And The Body 7. World System Theory And The Epidemiological Transition 8. Archer, Morphogenesis And The Role Of Agency In The Sociology Of Health Inequalities 9. Deleuze And Guattari 10. Health And Medicine In The Information Age: Castells, Informational Capitalism And The Network Society