Routledge Self-Medication and Society: Mirages of Autonomy

Explore the complex relationship between individuals and healthcare in Self-Medication and Society: Mirages of Autonomy. This academic work from the Routledge Studies in the Sociology of Health and Illness examines the tension between public authorities and health professionals. While authorities may support self-medication for economic reasons, medical experts often warn of the health risks and the loss of professional expertise. This book provides a deep look into the reality of self-medication within its social context. By analyzing the concept of autonomy that often accompanies these practices, the author offers a critical perspective on how patients navigate their own health. Based on fieldwork conducted in France, this study investigates the material and cognitive aspects of how people manage their own medical care outside of traditional professional structures.