Sociology and Nursing

This introductory text provides nurses with the foundations of a sociological understanding of health issues which they should find of great help in thinking about their work and the role of their profession. It explains the key sociological theories and debates with humour and imagination in a way which will encourage an inquisitive and reflective approach on the part of any student who engages with the text.

Peter Morrall is a Senior Lecturer in Health and Sociology: at the University of Leeds.

Introduction -- Aims -- Format -- Content -- 1 Imagination -- Structure -- Interaction -- Constructs -- Summary -- 2 Health -- Health polarities -- Lay health -- Social health -- Summary -- 3 Science -- Positivism -- Bio-medicine -- Realism -- Summary -- 4 Power -- Social power -- Sick role -- Patient empowerment -- Summary -- 5 Professions -- Professions -- Medicine -- Nursing -- Summary -- 6 Medicalisation -- Medicalisation -- Iatrogenesis -- Healthism -- Summary -- 7 Inequality -- Black Report -- Health divide -- Healthier nation -- Summary -- 8 Sex -- Sexuality -- Gender -- Risks -- Summary -- 9 Madness -- Mad definitions -- Mad doctors -- Mad society -- Summary -- 10 Death -- Virtual death -- Social death -- Inequitable death -- Summary -- Conclusion -- Ambiguity -- Deception -- Cynicism -- Appendix: practice grid -- References -- Index