Sociology of Health

Book Details:

• Author: Mohammad Akram

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardcover

• Release Date: 01-01-2014

• EAN: 9788131605585

• Pages: 256

• Package Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches

About the Book:

The book explores the ground realities of health, illness, and disease in India, especially focusing on the vulnerable and marginalized groups whose health goals remain largely unmet despite global health initiatives like the Alma Ata Declaration and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Despite national reforms, health outcomes in India remain unsatisfactory, and out-of-pocket expenditure on medical care is a significant cause of pauperization.

Key topics covered in the book include:

• Sociology of health and the development of social medicine.

• Social epidemiology, examining the spread and impact of diseases.

• Medicalization, demedicalization, and medical pluralism in the Indian context.

• Determinants of health, including nutrition, sanitation, food, water, and environmental factors.

• Health policies and programs aimed at improving the health of India's population.

• The focus on inequality and inequity in healthcare, as well as the concept of dehealthism.

The book uses various sociological perspectives, including conflict theory, functionalism, interactionism, and post-structuralism, to examine health issues. It will be especially useful for students of sociology, public health, social work, medical geography, and anthropology, as well as for health practitioners, activists, and policy makers in the health sector.

About the Author:

Mohammad Akram teaches at the Department of Sociology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He is the National Convener of the Research Committee on ‘Health, Population, and Society’ of the Indian Sociological Society. Akram has conducted research on health issues related to tribal societies and migrant workers, and has published extensively in journals such as Social Change, Indian Journal of STDs, Eastern Anthropologist, and Public Health Research. He has also authored books focusing on health, development, sanitation, and human rights.