Book excerpt: Provides students with insights into key contemporary debates and events to demonstrate the relevance of sociology and its practical application to modern nursing. This textbook helps student nurses make the leap from a narrow focus on the physical problems of their patients to a broader understanding of the whole person and the contexts of care which will help them succeed as compassionate nurses. Written directly for nurses, it focuses on the individuals and families in their care, the organisations they work in, and the factors which affect their practice. Key features include: Case studies and scenarios to help students relate sociology to real-life examples Reflection points to help students critically engage with the discussion Learning outcomes and chapter summaries for revision Definitions of key terms in each chapter