Medicine as New Religion

Religion, a social institution once used to provide ground for social solidarity, cohesion, is now losing its significance due to many social changes. But the functions earlier performed by religion are still considered important. Modern medicine, with its emphasis on assuring well-being of people, is not only creating illness and disorders but also controlling every aspect and phase of social life. As a result we are witnessing an increased ¿medicalization¿ of social life. Medical practitioners have emerged as a dominant social group, a position once enjoyed by religious priests. This book attempts to examine the way institution of medical practice is becoming more like, if not replacing, religion.