Sociology of health & illness
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Scholars must examine the dynamic relationship between activists and organisational actors, because all social movements interact in some way with the institutions they seek to change, and because activists engage in ongoing attempts to shape these interactions. Using data from the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) movement in California and hospitals in New York and Massachusetts, I identify how physicians and hospitals respond to the CAM movement, and how activists perceive each response. Using social movement and institutional theories, this study illustrates that social movements can penetrate and reshape formal organisations, because established organisations have permeable boundaries. ⋯ Activists vary in their response to these outcomes, because activists are not unanimous in their goals. These outcomes result from continual negotiation between CAM activists and organisational actors, and within each group. Thus, the outcomes are constantly evolving.
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This paper, utilising a narrative approach, aims to describe the experiences of men whose partner had experienced pregnancy loss, based on data from Northern Ireland. The methodology was based upon observation within pregnancy loss self-help groups and in-depth interviews with 14 men who attended the groups. The study also included interviews with 32 midwives and nurses, with the intention of examining attitudes within the medical context towards bereaved fathers. ⋯ The present study will show that the perception that men have only a supportive role in pregnancy loss is unjustified, as it ignores the actual life-world experiences of the men, and the meanings they attach to their loss, in what may be a very personal emotional tragedy for them where they have limited support available. The study uncovered several recurring themes including self-blame; loss of identity; and the need to appear strong and hide feelings of grief and anger. There is consideration of the need for hospital staff and the wider community to acknowledge the male partner's grief as being a valid response to the bereavement suffered.
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This paper offers an interpretation of contemporary developments in Britain's National Health Service which suggests that a major transformation is under way, the contours of which, while visible, are not yet fully appreciated or understood. The analysis is in sharp contrast with that recently proposed by Klein and deliberate comparisons are drawn. ⋯ The second takes issue with certain of his views, notably those on structural change, but also to some extent those on the relevance of the private sector. Welfare pluralism is posited as the most plausible future for health care and as a phenomenon as yet not well understood in Britain's health care sector.