'I read your book and found it easy to understand and informative, without being too full of jargon. My previous experience of sociology left me thinking that the social sciences were too protective of their own information - in that the language used was often designed to restrict its understanding, so it was a pleasant surprise to find such user friendly language!' - Julie Rankin, Student. Praise for the First Edition: 'The book is a great introduction! it gives the students a sound basis, gets them thinking and gives them the confidence to move on' - Sarah Nettleton, University of York.'This book was a pleasure to read, given its clarity and the broad spectrum of topics covered so succinctly! It delivers a grounded and measured summary of the sociology of health. Perhaps most importantly however, I feel it achieves the task of promoting critical thinking and questioning in relation to the medical model and our understanding of health as anchored in the social world' - Zoe Hildon, Imperial College London. The eagerly-awaited new edition of Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction (previously Understanding Health: A Sociological Introduction) brings together the best of current thinking in the sociology of health and illness in a truly 'readable' and concise manner. Extensively revised and drawing on the latest applied sociological research and new theoretical insights into health and illness, Understanding the Sociology of Health: An Introduction explores everything from health inequalities to chronic illness; embodiment to research techniques; and health care organisation to social theory. Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health. Anne-Marie Barry is a Research Consultant in Edinburgh and former lecturer in sociology at Robert Gordon's University, Aberdeen. Chris Yuill is lecturer in sociology at Robert Gordon's University, Aberdeen.