Sociology Of Mental Health Fall 2015 Exercise 2 Essay Questi

Sociology Of Mental Healthfall 2015exercise 2essay Questionsplease Re

Sociology of Mental Health Fall 2015 Exercise 2 Essay Questions: Please respond to THREE of the following questions in essays 1.5 to 2 pages long. 1) In Mad in America, Robert Whitaker argues that the treatment of mental illness is a “prism through which to view a society.” Put another way, he suggests, “Medical treatments for the severely mentally ill inevitably reflect the societal and philosophical values of the day” (xv). For this essay, please compare and contrast the dominant paradigm of mental illness treatment in two historical periods discussed in the book. You should consider: the underlying assumptions about the causes of mental illness; the prevailing treatment(s) of the day; how the mentally ill were regarded; and then describe what this tells us about that particular society at that particular time. 2) At the heart of Whitaker’s study is a question: Why do people with mental illness in the United States fare less well than people in poorer countries? Use Mad in America, as well as the other texts for our class, to address this question. Ask yourself, why might this be the case? What are the social, cultural and economic features of U.S. society that contribute to this situation? You may want to focus on the three or four most significant factors and explain how they all contribute to this situation. 3) Utilizing Karp’s “In Sickness and in Health” and one other reading from Voices from the Inside, compare and contrast caring for a family member with a physical illness to caring for a family member with a mental illness. In what ways are they similar, in what ways are they different? What accounts for the differences? What factors to social perceptions play? Do these differences matter, why or why not? Explain. 4) Karp and Sisson write, “I believe that one of the most important missions of sociology is to give voice…to the experiences of those whose voices and experiences would typically otherwise be blunted, marginalized…or simply ignored. If we want to understand how society works…we need particularly to listen well to the narratives of those who are too often powerless, marginalized, disenfranchised, and stigmatized” (p. 4). What do the narratives presented in Voices From the Inside tell us about how society works? Utilizing at least two selections from the book, please identify and discuss at least two different lessons these narratives tell us about how society works regarding mental health and illness. In general, the responses will be evaluated as follows: 1) Each response should be written in an essay format (introduction, body and conclusion-writing matters!). 2) Incorporation of specific examples from the relevant texts (you should demonstrate that you have a solid grasp of the material by drawing on the texts to support your claim, argument or analysis). If you pull an exact quote from one of our readings, you must include the author’s last name, year of publication and page number. For example: “As in prisons, the attendants’ main job was to maintain order…” (Whitaker, 2010:69). 3) Completeness of response (be sure to answer all aspects of each question). 4) Each response should be 1-2 pages. This exercise is due by 11pm on Wednesday 12/16. Please email your assignment as a Word attachment via our class Blackboard email system.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of mental health through a sociological lens reveals significant insights into societal values, historical shifts, and systemic inequalities. This essay addresses two key questions from the assigned readings: the historical paradigms of mental illness treatment and the societal factors influencing the well-being of those with mental illnesses in the United States. Drawing on Robert Whitaker’s “Mad in America” and other class texts, I will compare and contrast the dominant paradigms during two distinct periods, examining their underlying causes, treatments, and societal perceptions. Additionally, I will analyze why Americans with mental illness tend to fare worse than populations in poorer nations, emphasizing social, cultural, and economic factors.

Historically, mental health treatment has reflected the societal and philosophical beliefs prevalent at the time. In the early 20th century, the asylums and custodial care represented a societal attempt to segregate and contain mental illness. These institutions were rooted in assumptions that mental illness was a result of moral or personality failings, often described as “moral insanity” or moral weakness. The treatment was largely custodial, aimed at containment rather than cure, with little understanding of biological or psychological causes (Whitaker, 2010: 45). Society regarded the mentally ill as dangerous or morally deficient, which justified their institutionalization and social exclusion. This paradigm underscores a societal view that mental illness was a reflection of moral failing, and treatment efforts focused on social control rather than healing.

In contrast, the post-1950s era, particularly following the advent of psychotropic medications, marked a shift toward a biological model. The dominant view became that mental illnesses had physiological or neurochemical origins, leading to medical treatments aimed at restoring chemical balances. The rise of psychiatric drugs like antipsychotics and antidepressants symbolized this shift, and the mentally ill began to be regarded as patients with biological disorders requiring medical intervention (Whitaker, 2010: 123). Society’s perception evolved to see mental illness as a medical condition, reducing the moral stigma but also framing the illness within a scientific and pharmaceutical context. This period reflects a society that increasingly trusts scientific medicine but continues to marginalize individuals through diagnosis and medication management.

Comparing these periods reveals that societal attitudes toward mental illness significantly influence treatment approaches and perceptions of the mentally ill. The earlier model emphasized social control and moral judgment, whereas the later model promoted medicalization and scientific intervention. Both paradigms, however, contribute to societal perceptions of mental illness and inform policies and treatment practices (Goffman, 1963). Understanding these historical shifts allows us to see how societal values and priorities shape mental health treatment and influence the stigma or acceptance of the mentally ill.

Turning to the question of why Americans fare worse than populations in poorer nations, several intersecting factors emerge. One significant factor is the structure of mental health care in the U.S., characterized by a predominantly biomedical approach that emphasizes medication over community or social support. While medication can alleviate symptoms, it often neglects the social determinants of health, such as housing, employment, and social connections, which are crucial for recovery (Szasz, 1961). Conversely, in many poorer countries, mental health care may be more community-based and culturally embedded, incorporating social support and traditional healing practices that promote social inclusion (Kirmayer, 2001).

Another factor is societal stigma and discrimination in the U.S., which can hinder people with mental illness from seeking help and receiving adequate support. In the U.S., mental illness is often heavily stigmatized, leading to social exclusion, limited employment opportunities, and difficulties accessing comprehensive care. Additionally, socio-economic disparities mean that marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by untreated or poorly managed mental health issues, exacerbating their conditions and outcomes. Poverty and unequal access further entrench disparities, as structured inequalities prevent many from obtaining adequate mental health services (Snowden, 2012).

Cultural factors also play a role. Western biomedical models dominate U.S. mental health treatment, emphasizing individual pathology rather than collective or culturally specific understandings of mental health. In many poorer countries, mental health care integrates traditional healers and community-based approaches, making treatment more accessible and socially acceptable (Kleinman, 1980). This integration can foster better engagement and outcomes, illustrating how societal values influence mental health trajectories.

Finally, economic factors are critical. The U.S. healthcare system’s reliance on insurance-based coverage and high costs limits access for many, especially marginalized populations. By contrast, some poorer countries have more affordable community mental health programs that reach a wider population, although often with limited resources. This contrast highlights how economic policies and societal priorities shape mental health outcomes at a national level.

In conclusion, multiple social, cultural, and economic features contribute to the disparity in mental health outcomes between the U.S. and poorer countries. The focus on biomedical treatment, societal stigma, structural inequalities, and cultural preferences collectively influence how individuals with mental illness fare in different contexts. Addressing these factors requires a holistic, culturally sensitive approach that emphasizes social inclusion, community support, and equitable access to care, challenging existing paradigms and fostering better societal understanding of mental health issues.

References

• Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Prentice-Hall.
• Kirmayer, L. J. (2001). Cultural variations in the clinical presentation of depression and anxiety: Implications for diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 62(Suppl 13), 22–29.
• Kleinman, A. (1980). Patients and Healers in the Context of Culture. University of California Press.
• Whitaker, R. (2010). Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and the Enduring Mistreatment of the Mentally Ill. Basic Books.
• Szasz, T. (1961). The Myth of Mental Illness. Harper & Row.
• Snowden, L. R. (2012). Health and mental health policies' role in structural inequities for racial and ethnic minorities. American Psychologist, 67(7), 524–531.
• Karp, I. (n.d.). In Sickness and in Health. [Lecture/Reading Reference]
• Sisson, S. (n.d.). Insights into mental health caregiving. [Lecture/Reading Reference]
• Additional sources should include peer-reviewed articles or books relevant to the historical paradigms and societal factors affecting mental health outcomes.