Overview

The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the relationship between society and health and the core determinants of health inequalities. A significant aspect of an individual's health and wellbeing is determined by environmental factors in the form of social, cultural and economic forces. In this module, students will be introduced to how society shapes the individual's experiences of health and well-being, examining such fundamental issues as social class, ethnicity and gender, illustrating how the experience of poverty and wealth, gender roles and expectations, as well as culture, impacts upon health and wellbeing. In the process this examination will exemplify the emergence and causes of health inequalities, illustrating that such inequalities are not natural but related to social circumstances. Related to this there will also be a focus on how social and economic determinants of health are located within certain spaces and places with students being introduced the idea and basic principles of urban health.

1.The historical context of Health and Illness in society 2.Defining sociology as a mechanism for understanding health and well-being. 3.Sociological theories and perspectives 4.Social, economic and political aspects of health within modern society 5.Social inequalities and health inequality

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D+ to D-. To achieve a ‘pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the sociological factors which impact on health and well-being.

-good -B+ to B-. To achieve this grade the student will need to demonstrate a very good depth and breadth of knowledge of sociological factors which impact on health and well-being.

-excellent -A* to A-. To achieve an ‘excellent pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate a detailed and comprehensive understanding of sociological factors which impact on health and well-being.

-another level-C+ to C-. To achieve a ‘good pass’ on the module, students will be required to demonstrate a good of the sociological factors which impact on health and well-being.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sociological theories, concepts and their relationship to understanding health and well-being.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the relationship between social stratifications, social class and health inequalities.

• Demonstrate study, researching and presentation skills to support life long learning.

• Discuss the meanings of health and illness as both real phenomena and social constructs.