Social Medicine and the Coming Transformation

Social medicine has shown that social conditions affect health and illness more than biology, and social change affects the outcomes of health and illness more than health services. This book provides a critical introduction to social medicine, shedding light on how principles based on solidarity and mutual aid have enabled people to participate collaboratively to construct health-promoting social conditions. It offers vital information and analysis to enhance our understanding of the promotion of health through social and individual means, the micro-politics of medical encounters, the social determination of illness, the influences of racism, class, gender, and ethnicity on health, health and empire, and health praxis, reform, and sociomedical activism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Social medicine, which began over two centuries ago, has demonstrated that social factors have a greater impact on health and illness than biological ones. Moreover, social change has a more significant influence on the outcomes of health and illness than healthcare services. By understanding and exposing the structures that perpetuate sickness in society, we can work towards transforming them.

This groundbreaking book serves as a critical introduction to social medicine, shedding light on an increasingly important field. The authors draw on examples from around the world to illustrate how principles of solidarity and mutual aid have empowered individuals to collaborate in creating health-promoting social conditions. The book provides valuable information and analysis on various topics, including:

Promoting health through social and individual means

The micro-politics of medical encounters

The social determination of illness

The influences of racism, class, gender, and ethnicity on health

Health and empire

Health praxis, reform, and sociomedical activism

Throughout the book, illustrations are included to convey these key themes and important issues. Additionally, the book's website on Routledge offers further support materials, including additional illustrations and resources for students, teachers, practitioners, activists, policy makers, and anyone interested in health and health care.

The authors of this book offer compelling insights and strategies for understanding and addressing the social dimensions of health and health care. It is a valuable resource for students, teachers, practitioners, activists, policy makers, and anyone concerned with improving the well-being of individuals and communities. By going beyond traditional approaches in public health, medical sociology, health economics, and health policy, this book provides a holistic and interdisciplinary perspective on the field.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 150 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138685987