Health and the Sociology of Emotions

Health and the Sociology of Emotions offers an appraisal of the current lively debates which challenge the contribution of the sociology of emotions to health, and of the sociology of health and illness to a sociological understanding of emotions. This new book covers four main areas: Theory, Methodology, Social Constructionism, and Change. Developing viewpoints from theoretical studies, this volume raises a series of questions including: How does a sociology of emotions best theorise biological and social connections? What is the nature of the relationship between researcher and researched in a sociology of emotions? To what extent are these relationships exploitative or distorting of the emotions involved? How does an understanding of emotions contribute to analysis of social reproduction? In what ways does organisation change in health systems draw on or alter the emotions of those involved? Written in a clear and accessible style, Health and the Sociology of Emotions will appeal to sociologists and those involved in the delivery of health care.