With thorough coverage of inequality in health care access and practice, this leading textbook has been widely acclaimed by teachers as the most accessible of any available. It introduces and integrates recent research in medical sociology and emphasizes the importance of race, class, gender, and sexuality throughout.

This new edition leads students through the complexities of the evolving Affordable Care Act. It significantly expands coverage of medical technology, end-of-life issues, and alternative and complementary health care—topics that students typically debate in the classroom. While the COVID-19 pandemic emerged after this edition of the text was originally submitted, material has been added in Chapters 3, 10, and 13 about it. Many new text boxes and enhancements in pedagogy grace this new edition, which is essential in the fast-changing area of health care.

New to this edition:






More text boxes relating the social aspects of medicine to students’ lives.



Expanded coverage leading students through the complex impacts of the ACA and health care reform.



Greater emphasis on sexual minority health and LGBTQ+ persons’ experiences in the health care system.



Expanded coverage of medical technology, end-of-life issues, and alternative and complementary health care.



"Health and the Internet" sections are updated and renovated to create more interactive student assignments.



New end-of-chapter lists of terms, with key terms as flash cards on the companion website.



An updated instructor’s guide with test bank.