The Allied Health Professions: A Sociological Perspective

Description

The allied health professions have gained legitimacy through the pursuit of research evidence and the standardisation of practice. Yet there remains very little analysis or understanding of these professions. Adopting a theory of the sociology of health professions, this unique text explores the sociological, economic, political and philosophical pressures that have shaped the professions. Drawing on case studies and examples from occupations including optometrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to emerging vocations, including pedorthists and allied health assistants, this book offers an innovative comparison of allied health professions in Australia and Britain. By telling the story of their past, this original book prepares the allied health professions for a new and different future.

Susan Nancarrow is a health and higher education consultant and Adjunct Professor at the School of Health and Human Sciences at Southern Cross University in Australia. Susan is a health services researcher and allied health professional. Alan Borthwick OBE is Emeritus Professor at the School of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK and Adjunct Professor at the School of Health and Human Sciences at Southern Cross University in Australia. Alan is an allied health professional and sociologist.

"A timely book that offers a thoughtful, sociologically-informed, comparative analysis and shines a much-needed light on the professional project of Allied Health in the UK and Australia." Catherine Pope, University of Oxford "This excellent book offers a refreshing, sophisticated but eminently readable treatment of theory and inquiry applied to the allied professions. Grounded in social understanding, it deserves to be required reading on any allied health professional course." Anne Rogers, University of Southampton "A thoughtful and meticulous consideration of the allied health professions. The analysis helps address a remarkable neglect in our knowledge of the many and varied roles in the provision of 21st century health care." Ivy Lynn Bourgeault, University of Ottawa