Health care systems, the role of health professionals and the experience of health and illness are all undergoing change and development as we enter the twenty-first century. The Sociology and Politics of Health is a collection of key readings through which to explore the sociological and political dimensions of health, illness and health care. Combining classic pieces with more up-to-date contributions, it includes examples taken from current domestic and international initiatives and draws on humanist, materialist, feminist and constructionalist perspectives. The Sociology and Politics of Health covers: * ideology and policy * social stratification * professionalisation * the experience of health and illness. * This reader offers health studies students, nurses and other health professionals an invaluable introduction to an increasingly important field of social inquiry.