Why do health inequalities exist? How do gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity or class affect health? What is the healthcare impact of technology? How does climate change relate to health and illness and what does sociology have to teach us about pandemics? This textbook exists to answer these complex questions providing a complete overview of all the key sociological debates, themes, theories and research. Key features: Takes a global perspective providing comparative examples throughout Grapples with the most pressing healthcare debates including climate change and environment, pandemics and society, racism, health inequality and gender identity Breaks the complexities down using extremely clear language throughout Lecturers and instructors can also access a range of additional teaching resources available from the SAGE website. Though aimed primarily at students on health and social care courses and professions allied to medicine, this textbook provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the social aspects of health.