Feminism and Psychiatry

So, what's the question(s)?

• How were women in the Victorian era perceived in psychiatry?
• How did these attitudes influence 20th century feminism?
• Are women treated equally in psychiatry today?

Feminist perspectives

Victorian beliefs

Victorian woman: the archetype

Angel? Victim? Lunatic?

mentally ill male; 'hysterical' female

fight like a girl

before women began to find a voice in society..

• Viewed as the second sex
• Treated as property
• Led to believe they were inferior
• Not seen, not heard!
• Daring to question this = 'crazy'!!

when women spoke up..

• The world didn't end
• (Some) basic human rights were granted to both sexes
• Society didn't collapse / all hell didn't break loose
• Women were finally seen as individuals
• The patriarchy was questioned - at last!

spark: feminist movement

change?

so..

do we need feminism?

Well..

• Women are still paid less in many professions
• Women are still paid less in some professions
• There is a double-standard concerning sex  
• Double-standard concerning sex  
• 'Slut-shaming'
• Negative media attitude towards women
• Patriarchy is still present! :( 

What about the mental health system?

improved / flawed

• We no longer have 'asylums'; psychiatric hospitals are more humane
• We no longer have 'asylums'
• We no longer have 'asylums'; psychiatric hospitals are more humane
• We no longer have 'asylums'; psychiatric hospitals are more humane
• We have both male and female staff in psychiat
• We have both male and female staff in psychiatry roles
• We have both male and female staff in psychiatry roles
• There are still flaws in the system - particularly in inpatient care
• There are still flaws in the system - particularly in inpatient care
• Mental illness is diagnosed accurately - no longer deemed 'insane'
• Mental illness is diagnosed formally - no more 'hysteria' or 'insane'!
• Psychiatric medications are still debatable in some instances..

my intentions..