The Life Course Approach on Mental Illness

More about the book

The exploration of mental illness is approached through three main lenses: biological, psychological, and sociological. The sociological perspective, rooted in Durkheim's studies, emphasizes how societal structures and cultural contexts influence mental health, viewing mental illness as a deviation from social norms. This perspective has evolved, with prominent theories including Stress Theory, Structural Strain Theory, and Social Constructivism, particularly labeling theory and Foucault's critiques. The paper critiques the historical neglect of mental health within sociology, highlighting its importance in understanding social inequality.