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An Overview of an Ethnographic Study of the UK DSPD Pilot Units

Freestone, M.

Authors

M. Freestone



Abstract

The Government's initiative to reform the Mental Health Act and to create 300 additional high-secure places in prisons and special hospitals for those classified as having a 'dangerous and severe personality disorder' (DSPD) has caused controversy and outrage in all sectors of the field mental healthcare. This paper is based on the embryonic results of an ongoing ethnographic study of three pilot DSPD Units and presents an overview of the practice of studying such institutions from a cultural perspective. It features on outline of the evolution of ethnography as a research method, as well as a description of how this method should be situated within a wider sociological schema. Additional, some clinical examples are given linking these schema to everyday ward activities on such a Unit.

Citation

Freestone, M. (2005). An Overview of an Ethnographic Study of the UK DSPD Pilot Units. Therapeutic Communities, 26(4), 449-464

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2005
Deposit Date Jul 17, 2008
Journal Therapeutic Communities
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 26
Issue 4
Pages 449-464
Keywords Ethnography, Anthropology, DSPD, Personality disorder, Qualitative methodology, Sociology, High-secure, Therapeutic community.
Publisher URL http://www.therapeuticcommunities.org/journal-mainmenu-114/published-issues/120-volume-26-issue-4-winter-2005