Designed as an introduction to the central issues concerning health and health care in contemporary British society, this work is written primarily for an audience of health professionals undergoing basic training. Its key aim is to convey the scope and relevance of social science concepts and theories when applied to work in health settings. Organized in a way which enables the reader to build understanding from chapter to chapter, each chapter is short and highly focused on key learning points. However, the book is designed so that each chapter can be used as a self-contained unit. Features include: a "concept box" at the beginning of each chapter to highlight the main themes and facilitate revision; exercises and activities at the end of each chapter to enable the student to consolidate knowledge and apply it to practice; and guided further reading.