This core textbook is the ideal companion text for students studying the social aspects of health and illness, whether it is as part of a health studies degree, nursing or other professional qualification related to health, social care, youth and community work and social work. Written at an introductory level this book is suitable for students new to this subject and looking for a broad and accessible text for use throughout their studies. The book provides a comprehensive and contemporary exploration of a wide range of topics within the subject area of the social aspects of health, illness and healthcare. In so doing, it explores and explains the different relationships between social categories and health, different experiences of illness and the role of the healthcare provider in society. It includes self-contained chapters on: Gender Social class Ethnicity Ageing Physical ill health Mental health and illness Disability Death and dying Families, communities and healthcare Healthcare organisations and professions In addition to drawing together many different sources within this subject area, this engaging book is full of case studies, primary sources and activities for study, all of which will help you get to grips with the core concepts and themes in the study of health, illness and healthcare. "This is an easy-to-read introductory text exploring the social aspects of health, illness and healthcare. In short, this is a gentle yet comprehensive introduction which will no doubt become popular with lecturers and students alike." Dr Sarah Earle, Associate Dean Research, The Open University, UK"An excellent and accessible read for students studying health related disciplines... The reader will be left feeling informed around the key issues and theories." Sabina Sattar, Senior Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire, UK "This is a well written comprehensive text and is a 'must' for students in the pursuit of understanding the social aspects of health." Peggy Murphy, Senior Lecturer (Nursing), Glyndwr University, UK "This is an excellent resource, which I would highly recommend." Siobhan McCullough, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UK "Written in an accessible and lively style, the book covers an impressive range of theoretical approaches and substantive material, complemented by summaries, discussion questions and learning activities, to prompt students to reflect on their reading and to engage with the text." Hannah Bradby, University of Warwick, UK "I find this to be one of the most intuitive texts I have read to date as a student." Roisin Kiernan, Student nurse, Queen's University Belfast, UK "A valuable book owing to its excellent contents, its effective layout and clear method of delivering information. It is well worth the price." British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, May 2011 "I found this book to be very well thought out and well written... It gave me more insight into the academics of nursing. It's a book that would have been very beneficial to me when I first embarked on my nursing course in understanding key concepts..." Antoinette Honegan, Student Nurse, Kingston University, UK