Originally published in 1985, this collection of essays expands the understanding of both health itself and the ways in which women may experience their roles as consumers and providers of health care. The authors represent a number of disciplines - anthropology, sociology and political science - and examine issues of public concern on both sides of the Atlantic. Many important health questions are discussed, including the increasing use of high technology methods on obstetrical care, HRT, the treatment of frail elderly women, occupational health, health issues of sport and fitness, and health care systems of the UK, US and Canada as they relate to women in various social circumstances.

This engaging collection reconceptualizes women's health and healing, crossing disciplinary boundaries to rupture the biomedicalization of women's bodies. It examines the implications and representations of race, class and gender in health care and offers new approaches to women's health care. Subjects covered range from reproductive issues and nutrition to public health surveillance and AIDS.

This collection reconceptualizes women's health and healing, crossing disciplinary boundaries to rupture the biomedicalization of women's bodies. It examines the implications and representations of race, class and gender in health care and offers new approaches to women's health care. Subjects covered range from reproductive issues and nutrition to public health surveillance and AIDS.