“Here I want to stress that perception of losing one’s mind is based on culturally derived and socially ingrained stereotypes as to the significance of symptoms such as hearing voices, losing temporal and spatial orientation, and sensing that one is being followed, and that many of the most spectacular and convincing of these symptoms in some instances psychiatrically signify merely a temporary emotional upset in a stressful situation, however terrifying to the person at the time. Similarly, the anxiety consequent upon this perception of oneself, and the strategies devised to reduce this anxiety, are not a product of abnormal psychology, but would be exhibited by any person socialized into our culture who came to conceive of himself as someone losing his mind.”
Quote by Erving Goffman
Work
Asylums: Essays on the Social Situation of Mental Patients and Other Inmates
This book delves into the historical and contemporary aspects of mental health institutions, analyzing the living conditions, treatment methods, and societal perceptions of individuals within these facilities. more
Author
Erving Goffman
Erving Goffman (June 11, 1922 - November 19, 1982) was a Canadian sociologist who is considered one of the most influential sociologists of the 20th century. He is known for his contributions to symbolic interactionism and impression management theory. more
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