This text links public health explicitly to sociological theory, to demonstrate the relationship between health care and the social structures that underpin the provision of health services. The book reviews developments in public health using a critical, historical and comparative analytical framework, and includes topical areas such as health inequalities, social diversity, social exclusion units, care in the community and media constructions of health. It also provides practical examples combined with current, research-based sociological studies explaining some of the key social issues affecting the take up and utilisation of health care.