SOC 375 Sociology of Health and Illness
This course provides a review of basic concepts in the sociological study of health, illness, and the medical system, with an emphasis on the idea that health and sickness are in part social, rather than purely biological, phenomena. Sociology sheds light on the ways people make sense of, seek help for, and manage their illnesses as well as how these developments have influenced the evolution of health-related professions. We will discuss how our understanding of health and illness is driven by political, economic, and cultural forces.