232 Pages
by
Routledge
232 Pages
by
Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
Psychiatrists assert that mental illness is a physiological brain disorder. The anti-psychiatry movement refutes this on grounds of lack of evidence claiming that mental illness is socially defined. Len Bowers offers a rational, objective and philosophical critique of the theories of mental illness as a social construct and concludes that, though sometimes misguided, they cannot be wholly rejected. This critical scrutiny of a controversial and keenly-debated issue will be of interest to psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, sociologists and professionals in paramedical disciplines.
1. Introduction 2. Deviance 3. Rules 4. Culture 5. Diagnosis 6. History 7. Politics *. Illness 9. Physiology 10. Social Construct Bibliography Name Index Subject Index
Biography
Len Bowers is Professor of Psychiatric Nursing at St Bartholomew School of Nursing and Midwifery, City University, London.
'This book is the most comprehensive treatment of the social constructionist approach to mental illness available.' - William W. Eaton
'The particular strength of this book is its ability to present both sides of this contemporary debate with clarity and precision ... it will therefore prove a valuable resource for those involved in mental health care and anyone wanting to consider the wider application of soical construct theory to particular contexts.' - Contact
