Sociology and its applications are key components of the core foundation programme taught to all nursing students on degree and diploma courses. This acclaimed textbook explores the nature of sociology and sociological research, and their application to health and health care. It is organised in four parts: the nature of sociology and sociological research, the social patterning of health and disease, the social aspects of illness and dying; and the organisation and delivery of health care. This new edition contains new chapters on gender, ethnicity and old age. It examines new approaches to understanding social inequalities in health and experiences of chronic illness and dying. It also explains recent changes in the NHS and health policy and explores their implications for nursing.