This book investigates the complex interplay between societal expectations and the self-regulation of the medical profession. It examines how external social controls, such as public opinion, government policy, and ethical frameworks, interact with the internal mechanisms of professional autonomy and responsibility within medicine. The work explores the historical development of these controls and their ongoing impact on medical practice and ethics.

This work is likely regarded as a significant contribution to the sociology of medicine and bioethics, offering a detailed examination of the forces that shape medical practice. The focus on the historical development of social controls suggests a text that provides valuable context for understanding contemporary ethical debates. Its analytical approach likely appeals to academics, policymakers, and medical professionals interested in the structural and ethical dimensions of healthcare.