William C. Cockerham
and
Ferris J. Ritchey

As a scientific discipline or specialty develops an identity, consensus
typically emerges as to which concepts are central to the field, as well
as precise definitions of those concepts. In the discipline of medical sociology,
and the broader area of the sociology of health and illness, a
dictionary of terminology is long overdue. As a sociological specialty,
medical sociology has a distinct history and literature spanning over four
decades. This literature is a synthesis of medical and sociological knowledge
reflecting analysis of the relationship between medicine, health, and
society. Besides medical sociologists, physicians, nurses, psychologists,
social workers, therapists, hospital administrators, health insurance companies,
health economists, and others rely on the basic insights of sociology
in research, patient care, and job performance.
This dictionary should help not only scholars and students of medical
sociology but also practitioners and researchers in related fields who
encounter sociological terminology and require definitions.