Publisher's Synopsis
This is a comprehensive collection of 26 original essays by leading medical sociologists from all over the world. Articles are organized both topically and by region to provide thorough coverage on the concerns, issues, and future directions of the discipline in comparative perspective. Editor William C. Cockerham organizes the book in two parts with a thorough introductory chapter to provide a general analysis of the field. Part One covers the substantive areas of medical sociology, including essays on the sociology of the body, women's health, work stress, and the modern health care system. Part Two then applies those subjects to individual countries and societies based in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa to provide a comparative reference to the most important topics in the field. Through this comparative scope, the Companion demonstrates how, in each established field of medical sociology, different regions have their own unique perspectives and practices.;This invaluable resource is an informed and up-to-date study on transnational medical sociology for students, scholars and practitioners seeking a complete reference to the field.