Social and Cultural Influences on Psychopathology

Fanon's hope for mankind is a useful starting point for any study of man and particularly one that addresses social and cultural influences in human behavior with specific references to psychopathology. His hope that the tools never possess the man is our belief that research never mystify the man; his hope that the enslave­ ment of man cease forever speaks to our principle that researchers must not partici­ pate in the process of oppression. This review article begins with this particular perspective and with real concerns about the political implications of the subject. It takes as its point of departure the previous review in the Annual Review of Psychology (31). It examines the literature published between 1974 and 1976 which employs a social and/or cultural perspec­ tive toward mental illness, but is ultimately concerned about the implications for mental health. The majority of articles, books, and dissertations reviewed agree on at least one point, namely, the relevance of social and cultural factors to individual thoughts, personality, and psychopathology (152). It is unfortunate that only a small propor-