How have local economic conditions been affected by the emergence of a global economy? What changes, if any, have local political authorities made to counterbalance the new emphasis on world interests? Comprehensive and timely, this book answers these and other vital questions by exploring local political restructuring in the face of massive global economic change.

Written in a clear, accessible style, Health introduces students to the valuable contribution sociologists have made to understanding health, illness and disease. In so doing, it challenges the adequacy of biomedical models, contrasting them with explanations offered by positivist, interactionist, structuralist and feminist sociologists. Aggleton, an experienced teacher, links the key debates within the sociology of health and illness with their implications for health care, and covers topics such as complementary medicine and AIDS. Students are encouraged to undertake suggested activities and are given guidance for further reading to develop their understanding.