Sociology of Health and Wellness: An Applied Approach

Sociology of Health and Wellness: An Applied Approach takes the study of sociology of health and illness to the next level by inspiring students to connect the dots between theory, policy, and practice. The anthology provides students with applied examples of theoretical concepts which encourage them to challenge the status quo and, in doing so, transform and advance the healthcare industry. 

Part I addresses health and social structure, featuring readings that address the relationships between health and mortality, health and gender, health and socioeconomic status, and more. Part 2 is dedicated to the social and cultural meanings of illness, exploring social construction, the patient experience, and the stigma of mental illness. Part III discusses health care systems and delivery, featuring selections on cell phones and self-diagnosis, the need to preserve and enhance physician careers, and the power society gives health providers. The book closes with a section on applied approaches to medical sociology in which students read about the Affordable Care Act, integrative care, health in later life, and more. 

Cross-disciplinary in nature, Sociology of Health and Wellness is designed to serve as a supplementary text for foundational courses in public health, health professions, anthropology, and sociology.

Jacquelyn Cheun holds a Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of North Texas. She is a health care analyst for Renown Health, an adjunct professor of data sciences at Southern Methodist University, and an adjunct profession of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. Her areas of research include healthcare informatics, patient satisfaction, and provider relations.

Nichola Driver earned her Ph.D. in sociology from University of North Texas. She is an assistant professor in the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. Her research interests include health disparities, reproductive and women’s health, and community health. Dr. Driver has co-authored a number of journal articles within these topical areas.