The culture of contemporary medicine is the object of investigation in this book; the meanings and values implicit in biomedical knowledge and practice and the social processes through which they are produced are examined through the use of specific case studies. The essays provide examples of how various facets of 20th century medicine, including edu cation, research, the creation of medical knowledge, the development and application of technology, and day to day medical practice, are per vaded by a value system characteristic of an industrial-capitalistic view of the world in which the idea that science represents an objective and value free body of knowledge is dominant. The authors of the essays are sociologists and anthropologists (in almost equal numbers); also included are papers by a social historian and by three physicians all of whom have steeped themselves in the social sci ences and humanities. This co-operative endeavor, which has necessi tated the breaking down of disciplinary barriers to some extent, is per haps indicative of a larger movement in the social sciences, one in which there is a searching for a middle ground between grand theory and attempts at universal explanations on the one hand, and the context-spe cific empiricism and relativistic accounts characteristic of many historical and anthropological analyses on the other.

Examining medical pluralism in the United States from the Revolutionary War period through the end of the twentieth century, Hans Baer brings together in one convenient reference a vast array of information on healing systems as diverse as Christian Science, osteopathy, acupuncture, Santeria, southern Appalachian herbalism, evangelical faith healing, and Navajo healing. In a country where the dominant paradigm of biomedicine (medical schools, research hospitals, clinics staffed by M.D.s and R.N.s) has been long established and supported by laws and regulations, the continuing appeal of other medical systems and subsystems bears careful consideration. Distinctions of class, Baer emphasizes, as well as differences in race, ethnicity, and gender, are fundamental to the diversity of beliefs, techniques, and social organizations represented in the phenomenon of medical pluralism. Baer traces the simultaneous emergence in the nineteenth century of formalized biomedicine and of homeopathy, botanic medicine, hydropathy, Christian Science, osteopathy, and chiropractic. He examines present-day osteopathic medicine as a system parallel to biomedicine with an emphasis on primary care; chiropractic, naturopathy, and acupuncture as professionalized heterodox medical systems; homeopathy, herbalism, bodywork, and lay midwifery in the context of the holistic health movement; Anglo-American religious healing; and folk medical systems, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. In closing he focuses on the persistence of folk medical systems among working-class Americans and considers the growing interest of biomedical physicians, pharmaceutical and healthcare corporations, and government in the holistic health movement

This collection of essays brings together leading scholars from cultural anthropology, history, sociology and science studies to conduct a critical dialogue on the culture(s) of biomedical practice, discussing its material, epistemic and social implications.

Patricia Benner's introduction to phenomenology develops the reader's understanding of the strategies and processes involved in this innovative approach to nursing. The author discusses the relationship between theory and practice, considers the possibility of a science of caring from a feminist perspective, introduces interpretive phenomenology to the study of natural groups such as families, and suggests a basis for developing nursing ethics that is true to the caring and healing practices of the nursing profession.

'Science, Technology, and Society' offers approximately 150 articles written by major scholars and experts from academic and scientific institutions worldwide. The theme is the functions and effects of science and technology in society and culture.

In the wake of the digital healthcare revolution, a critical challenge has emerged: the lack of a comprehensive understanding stemming from fragmented research. Despite the industry's meteoric rise, existing literature often compartmentalizes insights, neglecting the intricate multi-sector collaborations that fuel its progress. This gap hinders scholars and industry professionals, leaving them with a myopic view of the digital healthcare landscape. The urgent need for a holistic exploration has never been more apparent. Multi-Sector Analysis of the Digital Healthcare Industry is a groundbreaking book that will uncover the complexities of digital healthcare with a panoramic lens. This carefully curated collection of cross-functional chapters is a beacon guiding academics and industry specialists through the difficulties of the industry's past, present, and future. With experts from fields spanning medicine, technology, business, and regulatory sectors, this book addresses the limitations of current research but serves as a compass for those seeking a more profound comprehension of digital healthcare's collaborative dynamics.

There is now widespread recognition that psychosocial factors play a key role in the aetiology, perpetuation, management and prevention of cumulative trauma disorders CTDs. This text addresses the strength, direction and importance of links between psychosocial factors and CTDs.; The book's contributors examine critically current research data, identify potential link mechanisms, and recommend measures for control and prevention. Topics covered include socio-organizational psychology, medical anthropology, occupational medicine, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, job stress and ergonomic interventions. The book aims to demystify the concept of the "psychosocial", so as to promote and assure effective prevention in the workplace.