Political Economy of Mental Illness in South Africa

The book explores how socio-political reforms in post-apartheid South Africa have shaped the mental health system, focusing on public, community-based services and the relations between state, private for-profit health care, and civil society spheres. It analyzes the Life Esidimeni tragedy as a human rights failure, highlighting the commodification of severe mental illness and the power differential that relegates vulnerable citizens to commodities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the intricate web of socio-political reforms that played a pivotal role in shaping the mental health system in post-apartheid South Africa. The author meticulously examines how these reforms influenced the provision of public, community-based services for individuals grappling with severe mental illness. Through a comprehensive analysis, the author sheds light on the complex interplay between state actors, private for-profit healthcare providers, and civil society organizations, highlighting how these interactions have shaped the delivery of care.

The book provides a comprehensive account of the development of South Africa's post-apartheid health system, exploring the various challenges and controversies that emerged within this framework. It sheds light on the contentious issues surrounding the Life Esidimeni tragedy, which emerged as a stark testament to the country's most tragic human rights failure during its democratic period. The tragedy is not merely viewed as a result of political corruption and administrative mismanagement, but as a manifestation of a power differential that perpetuates the marginalization and commodification of vulnerable citizens.

The book argues that the commodification of severe mental illness has been a product of neoliberal discourses that have shaped the economic and political approaches adopted by the post-apartheid South African state to address poverty and mental illness. It highlights the ways in which market-driven policies and privatization initiatives have undermined the provision of quality healthcare and exacerbated the social and economic disparities experienced by individuals with mental health conditions.

The book concludes by offering valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing South Africa's mental health system. It calls for a reimagining of care models that prioritize the holistic well-being of individuals and address the systemic inequalities that perpetuate mental health disparities. It advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to mental health care that recognizes the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status or mental health condition.

In conclusion, this book is a crucial contribution to the field of health, social, and economic policy in South Africa. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the socio-political reforms that shaped post-apartheid South Africa's mental health system, shedding light on the complex interplay between state actors, private providers, and civil society organizations. Through its examination of the Life Esidimeni tragedy and the commodification of severe mental illness, the book provides a powerful critique of neoliberal policies and advocates for a more inclusive and equitable approach to mental health care. It will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of mental health in South Africa and beyond.

Weight: 418g
Dimension: 160 x 243 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367192631