Sociology and Health

Abstract

Illness can seem random; yet, an extensive body of evidence suggests that health and disease are patterned in complex ways suggesting a more systematic and social process of disease causation. The first part of this chapter explores the social patterning of health and illness. Evidence linking social divisions, such as class, gender and ethnicity, with experiences of health and healthcare is examined. Sociology contributes to finding explanations for the persistence of social inequalities in health, as well as strategies to eliminate or reduce them. Part 2 of the chapter explores the methodological approaches of sociology. Sociologists have looked beyond the assumed altruism of health professionals to examine the individual, group and social impact of professional practice. Sociology relies on both evidence and theory. In addition to a critical examination of evidence such as mortality rates, sociology involves the development and testing of theoretical frameworks and perspectives that seek to explain patterns of health and illness.