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Mental health does not exist in a vacuum. The context in which an individual is born, grows, lives, and works has a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being. But although the powerful effects of these social determinants of mental health are not in question, how to affect them in actionable ways is.
Struggle and Solidarity addresses that gap in a compelling manner. By taking a case study approach to seven key pieces of federal legislation—among them, the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, the Social Security Act of 1935, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965—it demonstrates how public policies, even when not explicitly mental health–related, can shape social determinants and improve mental health in the United States.
For each of the seven laws, the book describes
• The crisis in society that spurred the law's inception
• Some of the key individuals and groups who drove its passage
• How the law has evolved over time—including its shortcomings
• How the law can continue to influence mental health in the future
Forgoing academic language in favor of a more approachable style and including photographs of some of the key players involved in each piece of legislation, this volume is accessible to all audiences while still making vivid and rigorous connections between national policymaking and the social determinants of mental health, summarizing the literature linking key social determinants affected by each law to mental health outcomes.
In sharing real examples of how individuals and groups have successfully advocated for policy changes, the authors of this book illustrate how important advocacy work can be accomplished and inspire readers to get involved in similar work to improve mental health today and in the future.
Recognizable legislative examples pertaining to relevant social themes are evaluated in a structured format, including historical socio-political background, notable figures who were able to successfully advocate for policy reform, and the iterative development of policies after their enactment. Chapters are divided into logical sections that are easy to reference and are aided by historical pictures and charts to illustrate pertinent trends or downstream impacts of policies. While the authors deliberately chose historical examples, the political landscapes of these examples vastly differ from the present day. Extrapolating optimism from these historical advocacy successes in the context of today's toxic, hyperpolarized political climate is an arduous task. This is especially pertinent to topics such as food security, social welfare, and civil rights.
— Andrew Bartholomew, MD
Michael T. Compton, M.D., M.P.H., is Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Research Psychiatrist at New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Marc W. Manseau, M.D., M.P.H., is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.
Chapter 1. "A Glance at Our Rags Would Tell You More"
Chapter 2. Saving Farmers and Striving for Food Security
Chapter 3. From Worker Exploitation to Union Solidarity
Chapter 4. A Stay Against Financial Catastrophe
Chapter 5. Clearing the Air for Mental Health
Chapter 6. Still on the Road to Freedom
Chapter 7. The Times They Are A-Changin'
Chapter 8. Remodeling and Breaking New Ground
Chapter 9. Learning from History's Lessons