Review

Services all inclusive? inclusive?

STIGMA AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN HEALTHCARE
Tom Mason, Caroline Carlisle, Caroline Watkins, Elizabeth Whitehead (eds)
Routledge, 2001, £16.99

In the context of today’s political climate, this book is very timely. The majority of professionals have long recognised that although we constantly preach and teach against any form of discrimination or social exclusion it persists in our own professions.

The four editors have worked hard to cover all possible aspects of social exclusion in health care services, using an impressive range of writers to explore a variety of topics. The double-think philosophy that characterises professionalism – and the traps it can lead us into – are examined many times over and from a wide range of angles.

It would be hard to think of an aspect of health care – and its associated stigmatisation issues – that this volume does not tackle. Some of the areas under the spotlight may surprise, and it is certain that many practitioners working in them believe themselves to be operating in a far less discriminatory way than their clients perceive.

The editors draw together the thoughts of the contributors by summarising and considering practical ways of finding solutions. They do not shy away from discussing shortfalls in professional and educational systems. Their personal contributions are down to earth and realistic, and pose important questions that professionals should be asking in order to make the necessary changes to services.

It is reassuring to discover such a universally useful book. I am certain it will come to be recognised as a classic reference text on the subject of stigma and social exclusion in health care.