SOCI 136F Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Moral Treatment, Malingering, Neurosis
Document Summary
In france, hysterics were scapegoated, not seen as wounded heroes. Symptoms considered to be artificial in origin and influenced by vanity, cupidity, eroticism, etc: couldn"t ignore that trauma was a problem, but trivialized it. French viewed traumatic symptoms as an epidemic and genuine threat to strength and morale of army: seen as contagious, so called for strategy similar to that of public hygiene. Fell between illness and indiscipline: dispute over legal status of hysteria, battle between doctors and patients. Charcot established a unisex and universal definition for hysteria in late 19th century, but gender played role in its diagnosis and treatment. Either way, doctor-patient was one with a powerful, knowledgeable doctor who diagnosed error of patient, while patient played a docile role in therapeutic or disciplinary consequences. Was perceived as a metaphor for immorality and the breakdown of social order. Charcot"s mastery in treating hysteria represented a victory of order and morality over human sexual instincts.
