HS 325 Sociology of Health and Illness
How do social institutions affect health outcomes of a population? What role do social relationships play in health behaviors and practices? How are meanings of illness constructed? In this course we will address such questions by examining health and illness as social phenomena. We begin this course with the premise that health is socially determined, not only by medical care systems, but by the various institutions of society. We then explore the role of the community and the family in health outcomes, with a particular focus on neighborhoods and social support. Finally, we take up issues of the personal experience of illness and the role that health plays in individual identity. At each stage, we will highlight the role class, gender, and race have in health outcomes.
Prerequisite
Students must complete HS 200 prior to taking this course