Surviving Identity

Combining the psychological, social, and political aspects of the expression of individual distress and political dissent, this book provides a unique analysis of how concepts such as 'vulnerability' and 'trauma' have become institutionalized within politics and society, and also how many of the 'caring' measures that arise from this are justified. This book will be of interest to researchers and postgraduate and advanced undergraduate students in critical psychology, sociology, social policy, politics, social movements, and mental health.

Kenneth McLaughlin is a senior lecturer in social work at Manchester Metropolitan University. He has extensive experience in social work and social care as a support worker for homeless families and as a social worker in a local authority statutory mental health team.

Introduction 1. Social Movements Old and New 2. Recognising Identity 3. Surviving Trauma 4. Surviving Psychiatry 5. The Rise of Therapeutic Identity 6. The Imposition of a Vulnerable Identity 7. Conclusion