First published in 1986, Where it hurts provides a straightforward and accessible introduction to sociology for beginning students. In dealing with key areas of sociology (such as class, gender, race and ethnicity, age, work, and the state) and grounding theory and concepts in real issues, it demonstrates how sociology works in a specific application- the social history of health and health care.Students for whom sociology is part of a health or welfare-related course will find this a lively and thought-provoking text. But in its style and content, it responds equally well to the demands of all beginning students in sociology for a clear and relevant introduction to the critical tradition.