General Practice, Social Work, and Mental Health Sections: The Social Control of Women

Abstract

A survey was undertaken of all referrals for compulsory admission received by a city mental health centre over a one year period. The centre receives the overwhelming majority of all these referrals in the city. Referrals from GPs were compared with other referrals focusing particularly on women. The results indicate GPs discriminated against women, referring considerably more women than men with less emphasis on major (psychotic) mental illness. The involvement of approved social workers (ASWs) in the assessment process was associated with diversion of many of the women away from compulsory admission, although even they appeared affected by patriarchal assumptions. GPs' behaviour with regard to sections is consistent with reports about sexist practice in other areas of work. This, however, is particularly grave with sections because of civil liberties implications. The article concludes that ASWs need be aware of potential sexist GP practice, that their psychosocial perspective is critical to assessment and that ASW training should include gender issues.