Hardback
The Sociology of Diagnosis
A Brief Guide
9781035331666 Edward Elgar Publishing
This incisive brief guide critically examines the role of medical diagnoses in social life, shining light on both health and disease. Annemarie Goldstein Jutel shows that diagnosis is not simply the labelling of natural disease, but rather is an agreement about what counts as sickness, with far-reaching social consequences.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
This incisive brief guide critically examines the role of medical diagnoses in social life, shining light on both health and disease. Annemarie Goldstein Jutel shows that diagnosis is not simply the labelling of natural disease, but rather is an agreement about what counts as sickness, with far-reaching social consequences.
Using a revised social model of diagnosis, Jutel explores diagnosis as both a category and a process. She illustrates that although illness is a fact of nature, medical classification systems are human creations which are shaped by consensus, power, inequity and prejudice. She examines the pervasive effects of diagnosis in non-medical environments, analysing in particular its role in popular culture. Through a detailed case study of the history and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease as a diagnosis, Jutel ultimately argues that a critical sociological perspective is essential to finding new and more effective ways for medicine to function.
Providing an advanced understanding of the social aspects of diagnosis in a concise format, this book is an essential guide for students and scholars of health and sociological theory. It is also an important resource for health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the social phenomena surrounding diagnosis.
Using a revised social model of diagnosis, Jutel explores diagnosis as both a category and a process. She illustrates that although illness is a fact of nature, medical classification systems are human creations which are shaped by consensus, power, inequity and prejudice. She examines the pervasive effects of diagnosis in non-medical environments, analysing in particular its role in popular culture. Through a detailed case study of the history and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease as a diagnosis, Jutel ultimately argues that a critical sociological perspective is essential to finding new and more effective ways for medicine to function.
Providing an advanced understanding of the social aspects of diagnosis in a concise format, this book is an essential guide for students and scholars of health and sociological theory. It is also an important resource for health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the social phenomena surrounding diagnosis.
Critical Acclaim
‘Subtitled “A Brief Guide”, Jutel’s excellent book is also a comprehensive, thoughtful, and scholarly yet accessible guide that is a must-read for scholars and students of diagnosis in health and society. Ranging across clinical disciplines and cultural contexts, Jutel writes both beautifully and compellingly, inviting us to consider more carefully and deeply the social life of diagnosis and the ramifications of this for us all.’
– Martyn Pickersgill, University of Edinburgh, UK
‘In an era of diagnosis, Annemarie Jutel’s new book is a very helpful guide for the perplexed. Across somatic and psychiatric diagnoses, and with insightful analyses of patients, professionals, and popular culture, Jutel’s short but penetrating text is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the social life of diagnoses.’
– Svend Brinkmann, University of Aalborg, Denmark
– Martyn Pickersgill, University of Edinburgh, UK
‘In an era of diagnosis, Annemarie Jutel’s new book is a very helpful guide for the perplexed. Across somatic and psychiatric diagnoses, and with insightful analyses of patients, professionals, and popular culture, Jutel’s short but penetrating text is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the social life of diagnoses.’
– Svend Brinkmann, University of Aalborg, Denmark
Contents
Contents
Introduction: An era of diagnosis
1 The law of the human mind: Diagnostic classification
2 Making a profession: Doctors, power and diagnosis
3 A life divided: The power of diagnosis
4 Diagnosis in popular culture
5 The social life of diagnosis: Alzheimer’s disease
and other things
Introduction: An era of diagnosis
1 The law of the human mind: Diagnostic classification
2 Making a profession: Doctors, power and diagnosis
3 A life divided: The power of diagnosis
4 Diagnosis in popular culture
5 The social life of diagnosis: Alzheimer’s disease
and other things
