Singapore University of Social Sciences

Medical Sociology covers a wide range of issues exploring the relationship between health and the notions of illness and wellness as they are shaped by society. The healthcare relationship across societies and their populations will provide an important focus for a part of the course. We will address how socio-economic and cultural factors influence perceptions and access to healthcare. This involves an examination of gender, class, ethnicity, age and religious practices within the context of healthcare access and delivery. The role of medical technology is also explored as they demonstrate how current trends in medicine have shaped the health and well-being of both man and woman, especially in the area of sexual reproduction. In addition, the role of the medical profession will be explored. While well-being and illness may be socially constructed, a section is devoted to understanding individual responses to notions of health.