This paper considers sociological understandings of what constitutes disability. Current meanings disability in both studies and medical sociology are examined compared, using selected articles from leading authors each discipline as case studies. These disciplines often represented offering starkly contrasting approaches to disability, with their differences amounting a disciplinary 'divide'. It is argued that, on closer inspection, common ground can be found between some writers sociology....

This paper contributes to the development of theory and research on inequalities in health. Our central premise is that these are currently limited because they fail adequately address relationship between agency structure, lay knowledge form narrative has a significant contribution make this endeavour. The divided into three sections. In first section we briefly review existing, largely quantitative We then move consider some most critiques body work highlighting issues: pursuit overly...

`Care' has been the focus of much sociological and policy related research in last decade. However, a review this literature reveals that concept `care' is not uniformly defined, nor its epistemological status clear. This paper explores problematic nature care research. In first section, concepts characteristic 1980s are deconstructed compared. demonstrates their variable partial character. The second section contrasts ways which feminist writers Hilary Graham (1991) Clare Ungerson (1990)...

Abstract This paper seeks to contribute the limited body of work that has directly explored lay understandings causes health inequalities. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodology, views people living in contrasting socio‐economic neighbourhoods are compared. The findings support previous research suggesting theories about causality relation inequalities, like concepts illness general, multi‐factorial. findings, however, also illustrate how ways which questions asked shape...

Background Public health interventions that are effective in the general population often assumed to apply people with impairments. However, evidence support this is limited and hence there a need for public research take more explicit account of disability perspectives Objectives (1) To examine literature on theories models disability; (2) assess whether or not, how, intervention studies effectiveness could incorporate inclusive approaches consistent these models; (3) use findings draw out...

We introduce the social model of disability by reflecting on its origins and legacy, with particular reference to work Union Physically Impaired against Segregation. argue that there has been a gradual rolling back rights entitlements associated disability. Yet no alternative for proposed in response such threats disabled people's human rights. Disabled people need stronger acts as means society which enables ensures their rights; right live dignified life, well an environment flourish

`Care' has been the focus of much sociological and policy related research in last decade. However, a review this literature reveals that concept `care' is not uniformly defined, nor its epistemological status clear. This paper explores problematic nature care research. In first section, concepts characteristic 1980s are deconstructed compared. demonstrates their variable partial character. The second section contrasts ways which feminist writers Hilary Graham (1991) Clare Ungerson (1990)...

What people do when they have symptoms or suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) has major implications for transmission and, consequently, control. Delays in seeking and obtaining diagnosis treatment can allow continued the greater probability adverse sequelae. An understanding health behaviour is therefore important if STD control programmes are to be effective. However, taboos stigma related sex most cultures mean that gaining true picture difficult requires considerable...

This paper considers some of the themes to be found in current UK debates about social model disability. It commences with a review origins and key features model, then moves on an examination critiques its efficacy. The argument advanced is that radical ideas laid foundation for disability contain relational kernel now needs rescued developed. A rescue required because this understanding has become over‐shadowed by itself as latter risen stature, been obscured heat recent model's strengths...

This paper considers the significant unmet psychosocial needs of informal carers cancer patients, drawing on data generated in a 3-year UK study (1997–2000) patients and their main carers. While are increasingly being recognised healthcare policy documents, there is relatively little published literature these needs. A 'significant need' defined here as need deemed important by carer, but which has not been met. descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted responses 195 relating to 48...

The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence psychosocial need, and contributory factors among cancer patients, using a descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey adult patients. participants 1000 patients from four hospitals in north west England with following characteristics: tumour type (breast, colorectal, lymphoma, lung), being 1 month 'critical moment' journey (i.e. (i) diagnosis, (ii) end first treatment, (iii) recurrence, (iv) move active treatment palliative...

Abstract This paper offers an interpretive account of ongoing transatlantic debate about illness narratives instigated by the publication in 1997 Paul Atkinson’s Narrative Turn Or Blind Alley? The claims and counter‐claims to be found this narrative data analysis are set out sequentially, attempt grasp debate’s essentials. Matters theoretical perspective, methodology, ethics, personal politics at stake writings four featured academics: Atkinson, Arthur Bochner, Frank Elliot Mishler. moves on...

Abstract The aim of this paper is to explore key dimensions the reproductive experiences disabled women who are, or are thinking about becoming, mothers. reports a qualitative study which involved semi‐structured interviews with 17 were contemplating childbearing, pregnant, and/or had young children. interpretation these women's situated reference current debates on meaning and nature disability, draws attention ways in can be understood as manifestations disablism. More specifically,...