Provides an overview of the major aspects of the sociology of mental health and illness. Draws on a range of social theories and methods to illustrate points, provides information organised along class, gender, race and age boundaries, and critically analyses the mental health professions. Looks critically at debates around mental health legislation, and examines organisational aspects of psychiatry. Includes a chapter on community mental health work. Concludes with a discussion of the various ways in which psychiatric patients and their relatives can be understood in their social context.
Provides an overview of the major aspects of the sociology of mental health and illness. Draws on a range of social theories and methods to illustrate points, provides information organised along class, gender, race and age boundaries, and critically analyses the mental health professions. Looks critically at debates around mental health legislation, and examines organisational aspects of psychiatry. Includes a chapter on community mental health work. Concludes with a discussion of the various ways in which psychiatric patients and their relatives can be understood in their social context.
Subject terms:
law, mental health, mental health problems, mental health services, older people, physical illness, psychiatry, service users, sociology, treatment, therapy and treatment, women, black and minority ethnic people, community mental health services, gender;