This comprehensive text looks in detail at important patterns in men and women's health. It takes account of the ways in which sex and gender interact, both with each other and with other forms of difference, such as race, ethnicity and socio-economic disadvantage. In addition to drawing on data and debates from the USA, the UK and other industrialized nations, it examines health in developing countries, giving the book a strong international and comparative focus. As well as discussing a range of health-related behaviours, such as diet, exercise, alcohol, smoking and drug use, the book explores in depth topics such as mental health, morbidity and reproduction.

The Health of Men and Women is written particularly with the needs, interests and abilities of upper-level undergraduate students in mind. It will be of particular interest to those studying the sociology of health and illness, and will also be highly relevant to courses on gender, race and ethnicity, and a range of other key sociological issues.

Sarah Payne is senior lecturer in social policy at the University of Bristol