Policy Press

Explaining Mental Illness

Sociological Perspectives

By Baptiste Brossard and Amy Chandler

Published

Jun 24, 2022

Page count

198 pages

ISBN

978-1529215052

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 24, 2022

Page count

198 pages

ISBN

978-1529215045

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 24, 2022

Page count

198 pages

ISBN

978-1529215069

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jun 24, 2022

Page count

198 pages

ISBN

978-1529215069

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Explaining Mental Illness

Shortlisted for the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness Book Prize

How can sociology explain the emergence of mental disorders in societies or individuals?

This authoritative book makes a case for the renewal of the sociology of mental illness, proposing a reorganisation of this field around four areas: social stratification, stress, labelling and culture. Drawing on case studies from a range of global contexts, the book argues that current research focuses on identifying ‘social factors’, leaving the question of causality to psychiatry, while significant critical perspectives remain untapped.

The result is an unprecedented resource that maps the current state of sociology of mental health, providing an invigorating manifesto for its future.

Baptiste Brossard is Lecturer in Sociology at the University of York.

Amy Chandler is Senior Lecturer in Health in Social Science at the University of Edinburgh.

Introduction: Towards a Critical Renewal of the Sociology of Mental Health

1. Social Positions ‘and’ Mental Disorders

2. Society as Stressor

3. The Weight of Labels

4. The Uses of Culture

Conclusion: Explaining the ‘Mental Health Crisis’