Infectious Diseases

Abstract

The social sciences have uncovered a plethora of information about the social dimensions of infectious disease before COVID‐19 made them apparent to the lay population. It is therefore important for sociologists to understand the social foundations of infectious disease so as to contribute to a growing body of knowledge. This includes terminology, disciplinary subfields, prevalence of infectious diseases, and trends in the workforce. The impact of social inequality on the determinants of infectious disease outcomes is also critical. The entry discusses the social nature of contagious infectious disease and the societal response to these diseases. The scientific and intellectual movements that are working to address the interdisciplinary foundations of the problem of infectious disease are also explored, and sociologists are invited to join the conversation.