Contemporary Theorists For Medical Sociology

This book discusses the work of several influential contemporary thinkers in relation to their relevance for medical sociology. It has the potential to be influential in stimulating new insights and uses of the work of theorists sometimes overlooked in medical sociology.

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. Review: 'A well-crafted account of the work of several contemporary theorists in sociology in relation to their relevance for medical sociology. It has the potential to be highly influential in stimulating new insights and uses of the work of theorists sometimes overlooked in medical sociology' - William C. Cockerham, Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA