Sociology is a key topic for all trainee health professionals, but many struggle to see what sociology has to offer.

Based on years of experience teaching sociology to healthcare students, Lani Russell has written a truly introductory text which explains the main sociological concepts without jargon or becoming too advanced. Using carefully chosen examples, she shows how health issues are influenced by social phenomena such as class, race or sexuality and the relevance this has for practitioners.

The book includes:

• The main sociological concepts relevant to healthcare students

• Examples linking sociological concepts and major health topics

• Exercises to test students' understanding -Glossaries of key terms and key theorists

• Advice on further reading

• A full companion website with teaching materials for lecturers and learning resources for students

This is the ideal text to recommend to students who need an accessible introduction to the sociology of health and illness.