Contemporary Theorists for Medical Sociology

Essential Thinkers for Medical Sociology explores the work of key social theorists and the application of their ideas to issues around health and illness. Encouraging students and researchers to use mainstream sociological thought to inform their substantive research on health and healthcare, this text discusses the work of eleven influential contemporary thinkers Habermas, Luhmann, Wallerstein, Bauman, Bourdieu, Foucault, Merleau-Ponty, Archer, Latour and Deleuze & Guatt. Each chapter includes a critical introduction to the central theses of a major social theorist, ways in which their ideas might inform medical sociology and some worked examples of how their ideas can be applied. Containing contributions from established scholars, rising stars and innovative practitioners, this book is a valuable read for those studying and researching the sociology of health and illness.