Health, illness, and the social body : a critical sociology / Peter E.S. Freund, Meredith B. McGuire, Linda S. Podhurst.

Upper Saddle River, N.J. : Prentice Hall, [2003], ©2003.

xi, 436 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

4th ed.

A sociological perspective on health, illness, and the body. -- Who becomes sick, injured, or dies? -- The material foundations of health and illness. -- Mind, body, and society. -- Social organization, health, and illness. -- The social meaning of sickness. -- Experiencing chronic illness, pain, and disability. -- Seeking health and help. -- The social construction of medical knowledge. -- Modern biomedicine: knowledge and practice. -- Stratification and power in health care systems. -- Economic interests and power in health care.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 343-424) and indexes.