Stigma and Social Exclusion in Healthcare

Book excerpt: Whilst those in healthcare might like to think that they work to reduce stigma and social exclusion of others, this book reveals many strategies by which healthcare professionals contribute to increasing these conditions. Written by practitioners, some of whom have themselves been stigmatised, the book exposes the hidden processes of prejudice and the dogma of ideology that permeate contemporary healthcare. Engaging with the realities of stigma through a grassroots approach, topics covered include: * hearing * sight * sexuality * HIV and AIDS * drug use * teenage pregnancy * breastfeeding * old age. Stigma and Social Exclusion in Healthcare provides practical solutions to problems, recommendations for training and a blueprint for the future. It will prove a valuable reference for all those wanting to deal with the issues of stigmatisation.