Sherman Folland and Eric Nauenberg present the cutting-edge of research covering the ever-expanding social capital field. With excellent contributions from leading academics, the Elgar Companion to Social Capital and Health offers a developed examination of new research across sociology, epidemiology, economics, psychology and political science. Authors from across North America, Europe and Asia provide wide-ranging and detailed accounts of social capital and health, focusing on social networks, causality and productivity. Sections cover theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence supporting the connection between social capital and health worldwide. Authors discuss ageing, immigration, religion and workplace health, as well as focusing on social capital in developing countries experiencing rapid and extensive economic growth. Essential reading for any aspirational social capital and health policy academic, this Companion offers future paths for research within sociology, health economics, epidemiology, political science and social policy. The breadth of study would also benefit public health officials, policy analysts and healthcare decision-makers. Contributors include: S.R. Ali, N.D. Anderson, S. Child, H. Corman, S. Dinda, S. Folland, C. Frazier, J. Guo, M.K. Islam, T. Iversen, F. Jusot, O. Kaarboe, M. Lindstroem, M. Ljunge, J. Mandelbaum, M. Menendez, S. Moore, E. Nauenberg, K. Noonan, P.J. Pettis, N.E. Reichman, L. Rocco, L. Rochaix, E. Shapiro, C. Sharony, T.W. Someno, L. Song, Y.-H. Wu

Folland, Goodman, and Stano's bestselling The Economics of Health and Health Care text offers the market-leading overview of all aspects of Health Economics, teaching through core economic themes, rather than concepts unique to the health care economy. The Eighth Edition of this key textbook has been revised and updated throughout, and reflects changes since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In addition to its revised treatment of health insurance, the text also introduces the key literature on social capital as it applies to individual and public health, as well as looking at public health initiatives relating to population health and economic equity, and comparing numerous policies across Western countries, China, and the developing world. It provides up-to-date discussions on current issues, as well as a comprehensive bibliography with over 1,100 references. Extra material and teaching resources are now also available through the brand new companion website, which provides full sets of discussion questions, exercises, presentation slides, and a test bank. This book demonstrates the multiplicity of ways in which economists analyze the health care system, and is suitable for courses in Health Economics, Health Policy/Systems, or Public Health, taken by health services students or practitioners.

This book defines the field of social capital and health. Over the last two decades, there has been a recognition of the importance of social capital (usually defined as ties in the community, attachment to the community, and participation in community activities) and its impact on the health of those in that community. The purpose of this book is to show the growth in the field of social capital and health and to expose readers to a variety of approaches in order to think about and model the question of how health can be improved by investments in community social capital as well as by individual social capital.An outstanding set of papers will be presented by authors from the United States, as well as from Europe and Asia. These papers are cutting-edge and explore the mechanisms through which social capital affects health. The papers also present the most recent empirical work and discuss the policy implications of their findings. Without a doubt, this will be a landmark book which will make the study of social capital and its impact on health a major area of research in the coming decade.

• Comprehensive coverage of all the key topics in health economics, with a balance between economic theory, empirical evidence and public policy • The 9th edition provides new content on pandemics, digital medicine, globalization, internationalization and health care reform • Removed lesser-used chapters from 8th edition: non-profits; social capital • Clear writing style, with helpful and illustrative boxed examples, figures and tables, using accessible language for students without prior training in economics • Pedagogical features in each chapter: boxed examples, chapter summaries, discussion questions and quantitative exercises • Glossary to explain key terms • Extensive reference list, directing readers to over 1100 research sources