This comparative social analysis represents the results of the "West European Study of Health (WESH)." It is one of a few systematically comparative social science analyses of such national health systems as Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Based on a total of 2500 cases the project analyses problems like health culture, social stratification in its impact on health, health life style and the motivations of people that shape health policies. This book meets both the expectation of descriptive information as well as comprehensive analysis by statistical means and on the background of practical as well as theoretical concerns. The policy implications of the results are eminent. The comparative design is of exemplary importance for health and social science. The book is of interest for public health, health professionals, health policymakers, psychologists, social scientists and political representatives from the community up to the European level. Aus dem Inhalt: Statement and Significance of the Problem: Theoretical, Historical Context and Comparative Methodology * Organization, Present problems and Efficiency of West European Health Care Systems * WESH - Method, Fieldwork, and Selected Indicators of the Study * A Descriptive Overview Concerning Results for Health Behavior in the 5-Nation-Study of WESH * Health Culture in Europe - an Exploration of National and Social Differences in Health-Related Values * Health and Social Stratification * Health Life-Style and Social Stratification * Public and Private Responsibility for Health: A Comparative Analysis towards Financing and the Right for Health Care * From Utilization to Evaluation * Euregional Health Culture: An Exploration

This reader offers some of the most important writing to date from the science of COVID-19 and what science says about its spread and social implications. The readings have been carefully selected, introduced, and interpreted for an introductory or graduate student readership by a distinguished medical sociology and political science team. While some of the early science was inaccurate, lacking sufficient data, or otherwise incomplete, the author team has selected the most important and reliable early work for teachers and students in courses on medical sociology, public health, nursing, infectious diseases, epidemiology, anthropology of medicine, sociology of health and illness, social aspects of medicine, comparative health systems, health policy and management, health behaviors, and community health. Global in scope, the book tells the story of what happened and how COVID-19 was dealt with. Much of this material is in clinical journals, normally not considered in the social sciences, which are nonetheless informative and authoritative for student and faculty readers. Their selection and interpretation for students makes this concise reader an essential teaching source about COVID-19. An accompanying online resource on the book's Routledge web page will update and evolve by providing links to new readings as the science develops.

This reader offers some of the most important writing to date from the science of COVID-19 and what science says about its spread and social implications. The readings have been carefully selected, introduced, and interpreted for an introductory or graduate student readership by a distinguished medical sociology and political science team. While some of the early science was inaccurate, lacking sufficient data, or otherwise incomplete, the author team has selected the most important and reliable early work for teachers and students in courses on medical sociology, public health, nursing, infectious diseases, epidemiology, anthropology of medicine, sociology of health and illness, social aspects of medicine, comparative health systems, health policy and management, health behaviors, and community health. Global in scope, the book tells the story of what happened and how COVID-19 was dealt with. Much of this material is in clinical journals, normally not considered in the social sciences, which are nonetheless informative and authoritative for student and faculty readers. Their selection and interpretation for students makes this concise reader an essential teaching source about COVID-19. An accompanying online resource on the book's Routledge web page will update and evolve by providing links to new readings as the science develops.

The most comprehensive major academic textbook available on its topic, this classic text presents the most important research studies in the field. The author integrates engaging first-person accounts from patients, physicians, and other health care providers throughout the text. Since its inception, this book's principal goal has been to introduce students to the field of medical sociology and serve as a reference for faculty by presenting the most current ideas, issues, concepts, themes, theories, and research findings in the field. This new edition is heavily revised with updated data and important new additions. New to this edition: A contemporary account of medical sociology's subfields (Chapter 1) New chapter on COVID-19 (Chapter 3) Update on the widening gap in life expectancy between the rich and the poor (Chapter 4) New chapter on gender and health, including the convergence of life expectancy between men and women and its reversal during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chapter 5) Updated chapter on aging and expanded discussion of health and race (Chapter 6) New developments in doctor-patient interaction, including telemedicine (Chapter 10) The survival of the Affordable Care Act (Chapter 16)

The most comprehensive major academic textbook available on its topic, this classic text presents the most important research studies in the field. The author integrates engaging first-person accounts from patients, physicians, and other health care providers throughout the text. Since its inception, this book's principal goal has been to introduce students to the field of medical sociology and serve as a reference for faculty by presenting the most current ideas, issues, concepts, themes, theories, and research findings in the field. This new edition is heavily revised with updated data and important new additions. New to this edition: A contemporary account of medical sociology's subfields (Chapter 1) New chapter on COVID-19 (Chapter 3) Update on the widening gap in life expectancy between the rich and the poor (Chapter 4) New chapter on gender and health, including the convergence of life expectancy between men and women and its reversal during the COVID-19 pandemic (Chapter 5) Updated chapter on aging and expanded discussion of health and race (Chapter 6) New developments in doctor-patient interaction, including telemedicine (Chapter 10) The survival of the Affordable Care Act (Chapter 16)