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Fulcher and Scott: Sociology 3e

Chapter 08

National Statistics Online: the 2001 Census

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/default.asp

Published by the Office for National Statistics on behalf of the government, this site provides access to the data from the latest population census, which took place in April 2001. Here you can find out about demographic trends in fertility, mortality, health, housing and occupation. A copy of the census survey form can also be downloaded if you are interested in the phrasing of questions and the related methodological issues.



British Medical Association

http://www.bma.org.uk

The BMA claims to be the voice of the medical profession, of which 80% practising doctors are members. You can use this site to find information about how the organization works to protect biomedical doctors' interests, the forms of health care available on the NHS, current research projects and statements of ethical practice. You might want to think about these issues in relation to Foucault's ideas about clinical medicine.



Kearl's guide to sociological thanatology

http://www.trinity.edu/~mkearl/death.html

A fascinating and thoroughly researched site about the sociology of death and dying, which will keep you online for hours! Professor Kearl has put together a comprehensive overview of such areas as the social effects of death cross-culturally, bids for symbolic immortality through fame, and a number of associated religious and moral debates. An invaluable resource for anyone doing research or coursework in this area of medical sociology.



Mental Health Foundation

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk

An excellent and informative site about the issues surrounding mental health. Navigate the pages to find out more about specific mental disorders, learn about the charity's research and awareness-raising work, and discover links to other related sites.



The Something Fishy Website on Eating Disorders

http://www.something-fishy.org/

One of the most informative and wide-ranging sites about eating disorders, written by an ex-sufferer and her partner. You can navigate the links to find out more about anorexia, bulimia and other less well-known types of eating disorder, as well as read about the issues of self and identity, cultural pressures, forms of treatment and the process of recovery. There is also a chat room and various other kinds of online support available for sufferers, friends and families.



The Internet and health care

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9566.00185?prevSearch=allfield%3A%28cosmetic+surgery%29

This is an interesting article about the rise of self-diagnoses and health awareness through online resources. It is written by Michael Hardey at the University of Southampton and published in the well respected journal, Sociology of Health and Illness. The article considers the way in which families and households use the Internet before or as an alternative to seeking medical help, developing lay knowledge that may be seen as a challenge to medical expertise.