DEVIANCE AND SOCIAL CONTROL: SOCIO-LEGAL RESPONSES TO MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

The proposed thesis explores the concept of madness as a longstanding societal fascination and fear, pivotal in understanding deviance and social control. Spanning from antiquity to the present, perceptions and treatments of mental illness have undergone profound transformations influenced by scientific, cultural, and legal developments. The research aims to trace the historical evolution of mental illness as perceived deviance and analyze corresponding socio-legal responses across different periods and cultures. Throughout history, madness has served as a boundary between normality and deviance, impacting social control dynamics significantly. Historical perspectives ranged from viewing mental illness as demonic possession to recognizing it as a treatable pathology with more humane approaches in modern psychiatry. This evolution is crucial for understanding current socio-legal policies on mental health. The thesis highlights the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) as a pivotal modern influence, particularly in signatory countries like Italy, the USA, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. By assessing the CRPD's impact on contemporary policies and practices, the study aims to analyze socio-legal responses to mental disorders across varied historical, cultural, and legal contexts. Employing an interdisciplinary approach integrating historical, legal, and socio-legal analyses, the study will utilize qualitative methods to examine historical documents, legislation, and current policies. It will also conduct comparative analyses of legal and social practices among the aforementioned countries, informed by CRPD principles. Ultimately, the thesis seeks to contribute insights to the discourse on best practices for treating and integrating individuals with mental disorders, aiming to inform future policy and social reforms.