Further Reading - Chapter 1
There are numerous good introductory social texts on the market, many of which have been written for A-level, as well as undergraduate, students. Some of the best include:
T. Bilton, K. Bonnett, P. Jones and T. Lawson: Introductory Sociology
4th edn. Palgrave, Houndsmills, 2002
A well organised and clearly written text with some helpful features to aid learning.
A. Giddens: Sociology
5th edn. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006
This is a comprehensive text which is accessible and jargon-free.
The 5th edition of this book has an associated website with additional student resources.
M. Haralambos and M. Holborn: Sociology: Themes and Perspectives
7th edn. Glasgow, Collins Educational, 2008
Whilst primarily an A-level text, this book covers the expected sociological terrain with useful chapters
on health, social theory and research methods.
P. Taylor, J. Richardson, A. Yeo, I. Marsh, K. Trobe, A. Pilkington, G. Hughes and K. Sharp: Sociology in Focus
Ormskirk, Causeway Press, 1995
If you are really struggling with sociology then this text could be for you.
It is primarily intended for an A-level audience but covers a broad range of sociological
issues in an engaging way.
The sociology of health and healthcare is also a huge area of inquiry and there are many useful texts catering for students at all levels:
D. L. Patrick and G. Scambler: Sociology as Applied to Medicine
5th edn. London: Saunders, 2003
This is an excellent book which is easy to read and covers a range of health-related issues.
S. Earle and G. Letherby (eds): The Sociology of Healthcare:
A Reader for Health Professionals
Houndsmills: Palgrave, 2007
This reader brings together a collection of previously published literature on the sociology of
health and healthcare. It has helpful commentary, questions for discussion and further reading.
There are also many books exploring the research process, including a wide variety of texts focusing on health research and/or research in nursing. The following are extremely useful:
A. Bowling: Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services
2nd edn. Buckingham: Open University Press, 2002
An excellent book with a health-services research focus, exploring the measurement of health behaviour,
quality of life and health needs, as well as discussing research methods including the use of case
studies and focus groups.
D. Cormack, K. Gerrish and A. Lacey (eds): The Research Process in Nursing
5th edn. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2001
This book is clearly organised and explores a wide range of issues including research ethics,
how to write a research proposal and the involvement of people who use services in research.
J. Neale (ed.): Research Methods for Health and Social Care
Houndsmills: London, 2008
Described as a 'one-stop introduction' to both qualitative and quantitative research methods
this book covers both health and medical research and research for social scientists.
