This volume launches a series which explores the relationship between sociological principles and nursing practice. It introduces the nurse to social theory, and examines its importance in the development of nursing's own theoretical base. The relevance of theory to what is essentially a practice discipline is demonstrated. This book is suitable reading for students at both pre-registration and post-registration levels. Many practitioners should also find it of interest. The text is aimed at pre-registration nursing students - all branches (all have to do the sociology module); post-registration BSc/MSc Nursing students and qualified nurses, and also some sociology students.