From Madness to Mental Disorders: Sociology of Mental Health

Investigates mental health processes and policies in historic, cultural, and socioeconomic context. Explains why definitions of and responses to mental illness have changed across time and place. Probes ethical dilemmas created by the medicalization of deviance. Examines how social conditions shape the development and consequences of mental disorders, treatments, and policies. Evaluates alternative theoretical explanations for how mental well-being and mental health services are linked to socioeconomic status, gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship, age, and sexuality. Assesses ability of alternative policies to improve public mental health.