Outline

Demography: The Study of Population

Malthus's Thesis and Marx's Response
Studying Population Today
Elements of Demography

World Population Patterns

Demographic Transition
The Population Explosion

Fertility Patterns in the United States

The Baby Boom
Stable Population Growth

Sociological Perspectives on Health and Illness

Functionalist Approach
Conflict Approach
Interactionist Approach
Labeling Approach
An Overview

Social Epidemiology and Health

Social Class
Race and Ethnicity
Gender
Age

Health Care in the United States

A Historical View
Physicians, Nurses, and Patients
Alternatives to Traditional Health Care
The Role of Government

Social Policy and Health: Financing Health Care Worldwide

The Issue
The Setting
Sociological Insights
Policy Initiatives

Boxes

Sociology in the Global Community: Population Policy in China
Taking Sociology to Work: Erika Miles, Director, Health Programs, CVS.com