This introductory sociology unit is specially designed for health studies students. Students will be introduced to the main theoretical perspectives and concepts in the discipline of sociology. The biomedical model of health and illness will be critically analysed. The socio-cultural determinants of health, illness and health related behaviours will be discussed and students will gain an understanding of the social distribution of health and illness in Australian society. The relationships between family, socio-economic status and gender, age, ethnicity, race, education, and health will be examined. Issues concerning access to and delivery of, health services will include analysis of the influence of rurality and remoteness. Students will be introduced to the Australian health care system and some major contemporary health policies will be analysed.
Prescribed Text - second opinion: An introduction to health sociology
