Location and Stigma

Contemporary Perspectives on Mental Health and Mental Health Care

By: Christopher J. Smith (Editor), John A. Giggs (Editor)

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eText | 30 April 2026 | Edition Number 1

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First published in 1988, Location and Stigma offers a comprehensive exploration of an increasingly significant area of socio-medical studies. At the time, mental illness and disability were recognized as major health challenges, particularly as developed countries had made substantial strides in combating the severe and often fatal diseases of pre-industrial and industrial eras. While medical resources were largely focused on chronic and degenerative diseases, awareness was growing about the immense economic costs and profound personal impact of mental illness and related disorders, which affected far more individuals than those formally registered under care.

The book examines the overall mental health of populations as shaped by the interplay of four key factors: individual influences, environmental conditions, the structure of service delivery systems, and the broader social, economic, and political context. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors, the book is divided into four parts. Part I situates the treatment of mental illness within its historical, political, and geographical-cultural context. Part II investigates the causes of mental illness, emphasizing social, environmental, and economic contributors. Part III reviews contemporary policies in the UK and USA, while Part IV assesses the state of mental health and policy at the time and considers future directions.

This volume was a significant contribution to the field, providing meaningful perspectives for social scientists studying mental health and mental illness.