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The Sociology of Health and Illness at the Turn of the Century: Back to the Future?

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  • Simon Williams
  • Ellen Annandale
  • Jonathan Tritter

Abstract

A ‘think piece’ in both style and content, this article offers some thoughts and reflections on selected themes and issues which, we believe, provide some important indicators not simply of the sociology of health and illness’ current status, but also of its future prospects. Four key themes have been chosen: (i) social inequalities in health; (ii) emotions and embodiment; (iii) (bio)technology, and finally; (iv) the shifting configuration of health care in Britain. Underlying these four themes, and running through the discussion as a whole, are two further key issues, namely, the contested nature of health and medical knowledge, and debates concerning consumption and risk in late modern society. The article concludes by suggesting that, in the era of the new genetics and the resurgence of biological explanations in the social and natural sciences, the charge of sociological imperialism constitutes both a constraint and opportunity for practitioners working in health and related fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Simon Williams & Ellen Annandale & Jonathan Tritter, 1998. "The Sociology of Health and Illness at the Turn of the Century: Back to the Future?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 3(4), pages 64-79, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:3:y:1998:i:4:p:64-79
    DOI: 10.5153/sro.204
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Macintyre, Sally, 1997. "The black report and beyond what are the issues?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 44(6), pages 723-745, March.
    2. Williams, Simon J., 1997. "Modern medicine and the "uncertain body": From corporeality to hyperreality?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 45(7), pages 1041-1049, October.
    3. Claus, Lisbeth M., 1983. "The development of medical sociology in Europe," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 17(21), pages 1591-1597, January.
    4. Macintyre, Sally & Hunt, Kate & Sweeting, Helen, 1996. "Gender differences in health: Are things really as simple as they seem?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 42(4), pages 617-624, February.
    5. Vrancken, Mariet A. E., 1989. "Schools of thought on pain," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 435-444, January.
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