This book traces the history of formative, enduring concepts, foundational in the development of the health disciplines. It explores existing literature, and subsequent contested applications. Feminist legacies are discussed with a clear message that early sociological and anthropological theories and debates remain valuable to scholars today. Chapters cover historical events and cultural practices from the standpoint of difference; formulate theories about the emergence of social issues and problems and discuss health and illness in light of cultural values and practices, social conditions, embodiment and emotions. This collection will be of great value to scholars of biomedicine, health and gender.

Elizabeth Ettorre is Professor Emerita of Sociology, University of Liverpool, UK.
Ellen Annandale is Professor of Sociology, York University, UK.
Ana Porroche-Escudero is a Research Associate, Lancaster University, UK.
Vanessa M. Hildebrand is Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
Barbara Katz Rothman is a Professor of Sociology, Baruch College and Graduate Center, CUNY, USA.

Chapter 1: Setting the Scene  by Elizabeth Ettorre, Ellen Annandale, Vanessa M. Hildebrand, and Ana Porroche-Escudero.- Chapter 2: Society differentiation& globalisation by Ellen Annandale.- Chapter 3: Self, normativity& embodiment  by Elizabeth Ettorre.- Chapter 4: Production Reproduction& Consumption by Ellen Annandale.- Chapter 5: Kinship, Blood and Alliances by Ana Porroche-Escudero.- Chapter 6: Power, Control& Surveillance by Elizabeth Ettorre.- Chapter 7: Gift-giving, Reciprocity and Exchange by Vanessa M. Hildebrand.- Chapter 8: Afterword by Barbara Katz Rothman.