Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction

by Anne-Marie Barry, Chris Yuill

Overview

Why do health inequalities exist? How do gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or class affect health? How do climate change and technology impact health and illness?

Written in a clear, student-friendly style, this is an exploration of the key sociological debates, themes and theories as they relate to health. Taking a global perspective, it is packed with comparative examples, case studies and activities, showing how sociology can answer complex questions about health and illness and make you a better practitioner.

In this book you will:

· Build your foundational knowledge with clear discussions of the research and perspectives within the sociology of health, along with a historical overview of the subject.

· Read chapters based on a diverse range of key themes from gender and sexuality to health inequalities, race, class, mental health and ageing.

· Apply what you’ve learnt across different cutting-edge contexts and real-life situations, including pandemics, policy, sport, and technology.

This textbook provides valuable insights for anyone studying health and social care, nursing or who is interested in the social aspects of health.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781529683332
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	12/15/2025
Edition description:	Sixth edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.53(h) x (d)

About the Author

Anne-Marie Barry is a research consultant in Edinburgh and former lecturer in health sociology at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Her research interests primarily focus on social inequalities and health and wellbeing and have also included alcohol and drug use, sexual health, mental health and bereavement.

Chris Yuill is a sociologist at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, whose work focuses on the sociology of health and the sociology of urban experiences. In addition to a variety of journal publications and research reports he has written and co-edited a number of textbooks for SAGE, one of his most recent being Sociology for Social Work co-edited with Alastair Gibson. Other texts include Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction with Anne-Marie Barry, which is now in its third edition and has also been translated into Chinese. Chris has also served two terms on the executive of the British Sociological Association.

Table of Contents

Section One: Theories, Perspectives and Contexts
Chapter 1: Sociological Theory: Explaining and Theorising
Chapter 2: Understanding Health and Wellbeing
Chapter 3: A Brief History of Health and Healing
Chapter 4: Climate Change, Nature and Wellbeing
Section Two: Key Themes
Chapter 5: Inequality and Health
Chapter 6: Gender and Health
Chapter 7: Race, Ethnicity and Health
Chapter 8: Mental Health
Chapter 9: Sexual Identities and Health (with Megan Todd)
Chapter 10: Sociology of the Body: Chronic Illness and Disability
Chapter 11: Health, Ageing and the Life Course
Section Three: Contexts
Chapter 12: Pandemics and Society
Chapter 13: Health Policy
Chapter 14: Sport, Health, Exercise and Wellbeing
Chapter 15: Death and Dying
Chapter 16: Health Technologies and Digital Societies

Editorial Reviews

'This book provides excellent introductory points to assist niche researchers in the understanding and learning of the sociology of health. The arguments, discussion about several important issues within the sociology of health are from a variety of social-cultural perspectives. The systematic structure is attractive and easy to understand. I would certainly recommend the book for those who are engaged in health research.'

Mohamed Azmi Hassali

'After reviewing SAGE’s Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction, the 4^th edition by Anne-Marie Barry and Chris Yuill, one can draw the conclusion that it is essential to incorporate a sociological view on health, illness and wellness in society to ensure a full-rounded or integrated approach. It is an easy read with a very practical structure which makes it easier for any reader, from academic to student to practitioner, to not only understand the sociological theoretical base but to also bring it to practice through case studies and key elements per chapter. It is an essential book which should be recommended on courses on Sociology of Health to assist all health practitioners and sociologist to work collectively towards the well-being in society. It can also provide a good base for comparison between developed and developing countries to unpack the complexities and possibilities of health and social life.'

Leon Roets

'This book is comprehensive but not too cluttered with information that can be found elsewhere. It is clearly written with links to a range of resources allowing various levels of engagement with the material for learners and teachers. The ‘boxes’ with essential information, summaries and questions are most useful and make Understanding the Sociology of Health that much more attractive.'

Professor Leah Gilbert

'This latest edition continues to provide a very useful introduction to understanding the breadth and depth of the sociology of health, especially for students and those new to the subject. The new chapter focusing on health technologies is particularly salient and provides a useful critical exploration of the topic.'

Dr Richard Mc Grath

'In an increasingly globalised world Understanding the Sociology of Health provides insights into diverse cultural and social understandings of what it means to be ‘healthy’ and health care policy in different parts of the world. This challenges ‘common sense’ assumptions around ‘health’ and what is meant by ‘healthcare’ and encourages students to engage with a wide range of sociological concepts, debates and theories.'

Jessica Marshall

'This textbook is a great resource for lecturers willing to introduce the sociology of health and medicine to undergraduate students. The further reading unmistakably helps in planning tutorials and seminars. Overall, the textbook could serve as a guide for students interested in producing graduate projects on the sociology of health.'

Dr Genaro Castro-Vázquez

'This textbook is a great resource for lecturers willing to introduce the sociology of health and medicine to undergraduate students. The further reading unmistakably helps in planning tutorials and seminars. Overall, the textbook could serve as a guide for students interested in producing graduate projects on the sociology of health.'

Dr Genaro Castro-Vázquez

'This latest edition continues to provide a very useful introduction to understanding the breadth and depth of the sociology of health, especially for students and those new to the subject. The new chapter focusing on health technologies is particularly salient and provides a useful critical exploration of the topic.'

Dr Richard McGrath