The Making of the Mental Health System in South Korea, 1960s–1980s: The Rise of Institutionalization and the Unfulfilled Promise of Community Mental Health
Historical analysis reveals systemic barriers to community mental health in South Korea's psychiatric practices.
Key Points
This article aims to explore the historical development of South Korea's mental health system from the 1960s to 1980s, focusing on institutionalization and missed opportunities for community care.
Reexamined debates and interactions among state, psychiatric professionals, and civil society regarding the Mental Health Act during 1960s-1980s.
Analyzed the impact of the 1983 gidowon scandal on public perceptions and community mental health initiatives.
Explored legislative developments and their alignment with state interests and civil society movements.
Rapid expansion of psychiatric institutions occurred in South Korea from the 1960s to 1980s, contrary to Western deinstitutionalization efforts.
The Mental Health Act of 1985 reinforced an admission-centered system, focusing on psychiatric hospitals despite community health initiatives.
Civil society's push for human rights did not significantly change the confinement-centered mental health system.