Podcasts: Key thinkers and debates

This page links to a series of podcasts made with the support of Wiley-Blackwell and the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness, entitled 'Key thinkers and debates'

The podcasts shown here, and those that will be added in the future, contain interviews and discussions with key figures in the sociology of health and illness. In some cases, these are long-established sociologists reflecting on the past, present and future of the field, or on particular contributions which they have made. In other cases, they are authors or editors discussing papers or special issues which they have produced under the auspices of the journal.

By viewing and listening to these podcasts, you will go ‘behind the scenes’ of medical sociology and meet the people who wrote the classic books, papers and other publications that have shaped this field.

We welcome suggestions for future podcasts.

The editors, SHI

Key thinkers and debates in the Sociology of Health and Illness

Watch the new podcasts featuring Peter Conrad and Graham Scambler!

• Jonathan Gabe and Peter Conrad
• Clive Seale and Graham Scambler

Watch the interview between Jonathan Gabe and Peter Conrad

1. Developing the medicalisation thesis

In the first part of the interview with Jonathan Gabe, Peter Conrad discusses his path into medical sociology and the development of the medicalisation thesis.

2. Stigma, the experience of illness and the internet

In the second part of the interview with Jonathan Gabe, Peter Conrad discusses stigma, the experience of illness and the internet. He talks about his studies of epilepsy and the impact of the internet on illness.

3. The sociology of genetics and US/UK links

In the third part of the interview with Jonathan Gabe, Peter Conrad starts by discussing the sociology of genetics. He then discusses his involvement in British medical sociology and the development of links between British and American medical soci

Watch the interview between Clive Seale and Graham Scambler

1. Understanding inequality: Street protests and health care reform

In the first part of an interview with Clive Seale, Graham Scambler discusses varying approaches to explaining how differences in social position affect health, and what further contribution can be made by sociologists.

2. What can sociologists do?

In the second part of an interview with Clive Seale, Graham Scambler continues the discussion about varying approaches to explaining how differences in social position affect health, and what further contribution can be made by sociologists.

Watch the interview between Mike Bury and Jonathan Gabe

This podcast is split into three parts:

1. The History of Medical Sociology in the UK: Biographical Disruption and Illness Narrative
2. The Expert Patient and NICE
3. Ageing and Health

Past podcasts include:

1. Professor Renée Fox: Reflections on the development of medical sociology
2. Professor Renée Fox: Current and future challenges for medical sociology