The Sociology of Medical Science and Technology

The Sociology of Medical Science and Technology contributes to the growing debate about the relationship between science and medicine by bringing together approaches from two areas of sociology; the sociology of medicine, and the sociology of science and technology. Drawing on research in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Japan and North America, this book provides a fascinating perspective on many key aspects of modern medicine.Contributors examine the relationship between science and clinical practice, and the development, assessment and regulation of pharmaceutical products and health care technologies. The implications of the new genetics are also considered through case studies of genetic counseling practice and the development of genetic screening methods. Other chapters examine public understanding of science and medicine in the context of chronic disease. This book will form an invaluable resource to all those researching, teaching or studying modern health care.

Mary Ann Elston is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at Royal Holloway, University of London. Her research interests include the organisaton of biomedical research, the health care professions and gender and health care. She is co-editor of the journal Sociology of Health and Illness.