Overview
The second Canadian addition of Second Opinion introduces students to the sociological study of health and illness through an accessible and authoritative overview of key theories, debates, and research findings. Arguing that many health problems are rooted in social, political, and economic inequalities, the authors explore how factors such as education, environment, income, racialization, disability, sexuality, and gender affect individuals’ chance of health or illness. The authors also explore, through a critical lens, our socially constructed conceptions of health and illness, and the social organization of Canada’s health-care systems. With an emphasis on the value of critical thinking throughout, this collection encourages students to question the status quo and investigate new social arrangements that might better meet the health needs of all Canadians.
Book Review
Norma Husk, Bishop’s University / Champlain College, Quebec, Canada
‘This text covers what I consider to be the essentials of the field in a manner that is very accessible to students. Each chapter is well structured, with a focus on developing critical thinking.’
Rodney Hunt, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
‘The writing style and readability are excellent. My students have commented on how much they enjoyed reading this textbook.’
