Understanding Health, Illness and Society

Alexis Paton is Director of the Centre for Health and Society at Aston University, where she is a senior lecturer in social epidemiology and the sociology of health and the programme director of the Masters of Public Health. She is also the lead for the Social and Psychological Aspect of Health curriculum for Aston Medical School, where she has developed the current curriculum in line with General Medical Council requirements and learning outcomes for graduates.

• 1 Introduction: what is health? 2 The social context of health: the social and structural determinants of health. 3 How people understand their health. 4 Health-related behaviours. 5 Promoting health and wellbeing. 6 Politics and health. 7 Sustainable healthcare: future-proofing the health of Britain. 8 Conclusion. 9 Test yourself.

"Perhaps you thought that ill-health was ‘simply’ the result of lack of access to health care or failure to take personal responsibility. Read this book to find out why ill-health is closely related to the social environment and the public policies that shape it. As the book lays out so clearly, improvement in health and reduction in health inequalities is dependent on this understanding." — Professor Sir Michael Marmot, UCL Institute of Health Equity, UK'Understanding Health, Illness and Society is a lively, engaging and comprehensive introduction to health inequalities for undergraduate students. Through a rare combination of insight, humour, and academic rigor, Paton navigates the complexities between individual health and well-being and broader societal structures. This indispensable text should become the "go-to" for healthcare students and professionals seeking to understand sociology in health.' — Prof Kate Flemming PhD RN, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK'This book provides an excellent introduction to the relationship between health and society. The fact that it is written in an easily accessible and reader-friendly style commends it to every reader, but this book serves as a fantastic introduction for those healthcare students who have a desire to learn about the sociological aspects of healthcare (as all healthcare students should). I would certainly endorse this book to all pharmacy students.' — Dr Joseph Bush, Dean of Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University, UK'Understanding Health, Illness and Society is a wonderful book giving a valuable insight into to the social context of health and people’s understanding of health. At a time when patient’s needs are getting increasingly complex, it is important to understand the wider context of health. This book provides this context and more. Every doctor and medical student should read it.' — Dr Mumtaz Patel, President, Royal College of Physicians, London, UK