Social constructions of stigma: the dangerousness of the mad person or of the social representations?
Journal title RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA
Author/s Pina Lalli
Publishing Year 2011 Issue 2011/1
Language Italian Pages 21 P. 11-31 File size 343 KB
DOI 10.3280/RSF2011-001002
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Nowadays, the social construction of mental illness, a collective representation, is strongly influenced by the media. All representations of "dangerousness" experience a similar outcome going through different media canals: news services, documentary films, talk shows, dramas, films, and a few special programs produced to raise awareness. The closure of mental hospitals has made mentally ill people socially visible and present. However, this evolution has not reduced the fear of "occult involvement", a threat to common sense. Does a mad person share the ordinary representation of reality? In a perspective of social defence, the expert can be charged with the responsibility of the socially "occulted" behaviour. Such facts culturally reinforce the concept of dangerousness, enhance a selective reconstruction of facts using a simple cause-effect approach, and reinforce stigmatizing stereotypes.
Keywords: Dangerousness, media, occult involvement, defence, social stigma
Pina Lalli, Itinerari dello stigma: pericolosità del folle o rappresentazioni pericolose? in "RIVISTA SPERIMENTALE DI FRENIATRIA" 1/2011, pp 11-31, DOI: 10.3280/RSF2011-001002