The definitive single-source reverence on health, illness, and the social sciences in the 21st century, fully revised and updated

The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society, Second Edition offers an up-to-date, interdisciplinary reference that addresses the evolving landscape of health-related social sciences. With nearly 600 entries spanning 20 subdisciplines, this comprehensive six-volume set delivers critical insights into topics such as global pandemics, chronic diseases, and the social determinants of health. Structured in an accessible A-to-Z format, the Encyclopedia's entries cover an unparalleled range of topics—from fundamental concepts to in-depth analyses—and include cross-references and bibliographies to enable deeper exploration.

Now in its second edition, The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society features new and updated entries that reflect significant changes in health research and contemporary medical issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, advancements in epigenetics, and pressing global health challenges. Entirely new sections explore global pandemics, chronic diseases, epigenetics, infectious diseases, and research methodologies. Throughout this edition, the contributing authors address emerging theories, contemporary issues, recent research studies, and real-world events affecting health.

An essential resource for understanding the interplay between social and behavioral factors and health, The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society, Second Edition:

• Provides timely and authoritative coverage of all key areas of the social scientific study of health
• Contains contributions from more than 500 leading scholars from around the world, ranging from core concepts to specific disciplinary ideologies and practices
• Integrates foundational concepts, emerging theories, and contemporary developments to enable a holistic understanding of health-related social sciences
• Employs an interdisciplinary approach that bridges medical sociology, anthropology, psychology, public health, and geography
• Examines social determinants of health through a global lens, reflecting diverse cultural and regional contexts

The Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Health, Illness, Behavior, and Society, Second Edition, is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in medical sociology, medical anthropology, public health, health psychology, health geography, and related fields. It also serves as a vital reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in medicine, nursing, and public health.