Virtually rewritten and brought thoroughly up to date, the new edition of this solidly referenced text stresses the influence of social and cultural factors on global pattern of illness and health care, and demonstrates how the social sciences can help interpret these patterns. The first part, focusing on broad societal issues, has been completely rewritten and is now equally informed by sociological and epidemiological insights into health problems. The second part, completely updated, retains its focus on family life, examining the health effects of the interplay between individual, family and society on the individual throughout the entire life cycle. This is an excellent text for courses in medical sociology and community health in medical schools and school of public health, and will be useful in courses in social work and sociology. In addition, the authors have greatly expanded the data on the United States, making this edition an invaluable reference for public health researchers.