Centred on an analysis of a range of inter-related studies of illness and stigma conducted in recent years, this book makes a groundbreaking and timely contribution to understanding the roots of contemporary experiences of stigma. The postmodern era has been identified by sociologists as a time of fracturing and diversity in Western social development. Behaviour, lifestyle and identity are no longer the results of mass-production by social class and nation, but increasingly the quirky and unique eccentricities of the individual as consumer, reflexive citizen and free agent. Memorably, this process was characterised by Fukuyama as 'The End of History', as there is no longer the cultural space for the large-scale ideological battles of the pre-modern age. This book takes Fukuyama's notion and examines contemporary challenges tothe stigma associated with chronic illness. Award-winning author, Gill Green examines the cases of HIV, multiple sclerosis and mental illness, including substance misuse, to provide new insights into stigma in health - an issue that is of contemporary concern in the areas of medical sociology and health studies.

To date, the majority of HIV/AIDS research has concentrated on education and prevention for those with a seronegative status, while studies of HIV positive individuals have been concerned with their potential to infect others. The Endangered Self however, focuses on how the discovery of an HIV positive status affects the individual's sense of identity, on the experience of living with HIV and its effects on the individual's social relationships. In this comparative study of the UK and US, Green and Sobo explore identity change and the stigma attached to an HIV positive status within the context of the sociology of risk. Chapters discuss issues such as:
*identity, social risk and AIDS
*stigma
*living and coping with HIV
*the danger of disclosure
*reported reactions in health care settings and sexual settings
*risk and reality
*seropositivity.
The Endangered Self will be of interest to all those infected with HIV and to their families, partners, friends and caregivers who are affected by it. It will be essential reading for health-care professionals and those studying medical anthropology, sociology and health and risk studies.

Series Information:
Health, Risk and Society

Centred on an analysis of a range of inter-related studies of illness and stigma conducted in recent years, this book makes a groundbreaking and timely contribution to understanding the roots of contemporary experiences of stigma. The postmodern era has been identified by sociologists as a time of fracturing and diversity in Western social development. Behaviour, lifestyle and identity are no longer the results of mass-production by social class and nation, but increasingly the quirky and unique eccentricities of the individual as consumer, reflexive citizen and free agent. Memorably, this process was characterised by Fukuyama as 'The End of History', as there isno longer the cultural space for the large-scale ideological battles of the pre-modern age. This book takes Fukuyama's notion and examines contemporary challenges to the stigma associated with chronic illness. Award-winning author, Gill Green examines the cases of HIV, multiple sclerosis and mental illness, including substance misuse, to provide new insights into stigma in health - an issue that is of contemporary concern in the areas of medical sociology and health studies.

This is an honest, hard hitting and funny guide for people pursuing romantic interests, or considering marriage. Sometimes rather graphic, the author challenges readers to ask the "Questions Never Asked" of Women and Men in order to avoid the relationship pitfalls of the Broken-hearted or Divorced. Compiled from 100's of interviews with what the author describes as those in "Relationship Limbo" The Book asks a question with a narrative style of answering in order to give the reader a realistic perspective in the assessment of the their current romantic interest. In the Author's words.."A wise person learns from His or Her mistakes...but an even wiser person learns from the mistakes of others.

My story is fictional, based on a true experience. At the scene of an auto accident that destroyed my car and left me injured, the first person who appeared was a woman unknown to me. She leaned into my car, called my name saying, You will be all right; God is protecting you. She was on her way to a ladies prayer group where she would request prayer. She continued to give words of comfort. I could not turn my head to look at her face, but I could see her from the corner of my eye. I did not recognize her voice. I felt truly impressed that she had come to me as a personal angel messenger to bring words of comfort from God the Father. I felt absolute peace as I sat confined in the front seat of my car, unable to move; that God s protection was covering me. Throughout the duration of my immobility, being unable to walk for about four months, it became my obsessed determination to find the woman; to express my appreciation for bringing the words of comfort to me that day, and for her prayers and those of her prayer group. I am in search of this angel. I maintain the hope of her someday reading this book and know that I am searching for her.

Doing Practitioner Research focuses on helping practitioners conduct research in their own organisations, and attention is given to the best methods for doing this effectively and sensitively. The authors also attend to the theoretical, political and organisational context of doing research, as well as addressing the ethical and practical issues of undertaking research. The authors cover in detail the range of skills and techniques necessary to make a successful start to the process of becoming an effective practitioner researcher. This is an ideal text for growing number of practitioners working in health, education and social care who are undertaking research. Fox et al have provided the perfect introduction to why practitioners are in the unique position to conduct research that actually improves professional practice. This book will be essential reading for those professionals/practitioners engaged in research in their own organisation or undertaking a post-graduate qualification in Health, Social Care, or Education.