This volume presents an examination of the importance of sociological factors in the diagnosis of organic illness as well as in treatment regimes. This book has been written for nurses in general training, and also for those in training for specialized nursing roles. It will also be of use to medical students as an introductory text, and for those enrolled on the new nursing degrees. Others whose work it is to care for people in some way, for example social workers, may find it of some use. 1 - An outline of some of the salient features in the development of modern sociology and the bearing of these on the roles of the doctor and the nurse. 2 - A description of the distinctive features in the development of humans which sociologists call socialization, including character, personality and language, related to the social institutions within which socialization occurs. 3 - A description of different types of family structure and their social implications. 4 - How individuals come to hold what they regard as their own special views of the world, especially in the area of religion. 5 - The manner in which responsibility and opportunity are allocated within society with the concomitant differences in privileges, restrictions, rewards and obligations. 6 - What constitutes different forms of behaviour in a society and how these relate to social disorganization Particular attention is given to mental illness, alcoholism, sexual deviation and criminal behavior. 7- Sociological approaches to illness and death in the lay and medical context. 8 - Population trends in society, especially in relation to disease and medical care. 9 - The study of social interaction in small-group situations. 10 - A study of the sociology of occupations with particular reference to the nursing profession. 11 - An indication of the field Patterns of disease in the population. 12 - The main features of the hospital as a bureaucratic organization with particular reference to patients. 13 - A closer look at the contribution of the sociology to medicine. 15 - A brief overview of the theoretical aspects of sociology.