"Defining Normal: Constructions of Race and Gender in the DSM-IV Casebook" by Jill A. Cermele

Selected Works of Kristin L. Anderson

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Defining Normal: Constructions of Race and Gender in the DSM-IV Casebook

Feminism & Psychology (2001)

Jill A. Cermele, Drew University
Sharon Daniels
Kristin L. Anderson, Drew University

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Abstract

This article explores the ways in which the DSM-IV Casebook constructs gender and race/ethnicity in depictions of individuals with mental illness. Analyses indicated that the case studies were gendered in accordance with socially sanctioned descriptions of women and men, with women more likely to be described negatively and in terms of physical attractiveness, and that women of color in particular were more likely to be sexualized. We argue that the studies in the Casebook contribute to a gendered and raced conceptualization of mental illness, and that these explicit definitions of pathology reflect implicit definitions of normalcy.

Keywords

Clinical psychology,
Constructivism,
Feminism,
Mental health,
Sexism

Disciplines

Publication Date

January 5, 2001

DOI

10.1177/0959353501011002011

Publisher Statement

Citation Information

Jill A. Cermele, Sharon Daniels and Kristin L. Anderson. "Defining Normal: Constructions of Race and Gender in the DSM-IV Casebook" Feminism & Psychology Vol. 11 Iss. 2 (2001) p. 229 - 247
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kristin_anderson/34/