Mad Studies Genealogy and Praxis

Abstract

The opinions, writings, artwork, and cultural production of academics and non-academic mental health service users/survivors form the basis of what we have come to understand as Mad Studies. In this essay, we introduce what we mean by Mad Studies “praxis" (i.e., theory-informed action) in the hopes of clarifying the distinction between other similar frameworks doing social justice/anti-oppression work. Our argument is that Mad Studies praxis gives us a specific multi-vocal vocabulary for advancing our understanding, critical analyses, and emancipatory projects which build on the interdependence between academic and community activism. Mad Studies has a rich theoretical praxis based on its enduring historical, intellectual, and community-centered mobilisation despite criticisms and challenges.