SOC 144

Sociology of Health and Illness

Examines the social contexts of health, illness, and medical care. Emphasizes the debates and contrasting perspectives that characterize the sociological study of health and illness. Topics include the social, global, environmental, and occupational factors influencing health and illness; the politics surrounding physical and mental illness; the patient's perspective on illness; ethical issues in medicine as they relate to medical technology; and health care reform. The influence of health status on identity and interaction will also be addressed.

Units: 3.0