SOC 227 Sociology of Mental Health
3 hours
This course examines how societies define, conceptualize, and respond to mental health struggles, such as the different ways cultures define mental health and psychological distress. Students consider varying definitions of “normality” and “abnormality,” cultural differences, and variations in experience. The course will also explore the ways social inequality influences mental health as well as access to diagnoses, treatment, and resources. This course emphasizes thinking about mental health as more complex than a “sick versus healthy” dichotomy, through historical context, theoretical analysis, and reflexivity.