Blackwell Reference Online

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Medical sociology is a subdiscipline of sociology that studies the social causes and consequences of health and illness ( Cockerham 2004 ). Major areas of investigation include the social aspects of health and disease, the social behavior of health care workers and the people who utilize their services, the social functions of health organizations and institutions, the social patterns of health services, the relationship of health care delivery systems to other social systems, and health policy. What makes medical sociology important is the significant role social factors play in determining the health of individuals, groups, and the larger society. Social conditions and situations not only cause illness, but they also help prevent it. In recognition of the broad impact of social factors on health, medical sociology is sometimes referred to as “health sociology” or the “sociology of health.” However, the traditional name “medical sociology” persists because it is preferred by many of its practitioners. Medical sociologists comprise one of the largest groups of sociologists in the world. They have employment opportunities both within and outside of academia. Medical sociologists work not only in university sociology departments, medical, nursing, and public health schools and various other health-related professional schools, but also in research organizations and government agencies. ... log in or subscribe to read full text