This volume provides a very much needed introduction to sociology for all those working or studying in nursing and health care related professions. It has been specially designed to be of use to those whose primary responsibilities concern the prevention, cure and management of illness. Sociology for Nursing and Health Care is a straightforward accessible text, which introduces a wide range of central topics. The following themes are explored: the professions in medicine; the hospital as an organization; relationships in the health service; inequalities of health; what makes us ill; the national health service; women's health and nursing; methods of research in sociology for nurses. Each chapter includes an account of the key issues and viewpoints as well as helpful and constructive questions and exercises.