Description
Mad Studies is a small but growing field of study within the academy. Mad Studies is liberation-oriented and seeks to challenge traditional academic and societal norms. This creates friction when Mad Studies becomes part of the institutions it critiques. For some in the university, the radical approaches of Mad Studies are not welcome, and for some Mad activists the co-optation of Mad Studies for university credit is resisted. The ableist and sanist structure of universities poses deep questions of whether or not (or to what extent) Mad Studies participation in academic spaces is a worthy endeavour. While these debates have garnered lively conversation, there has been little overview of the perspectives of academics who have taught Mad Studies in universities. To address this gap in knowledge, a questionnaire was distributed to academics who have taught Mad Studies at university. This focused on addressing two key questions:o What are the benefits and challenges of teaching Mad Studies courses at universities?
o How can we improve how Mad Studies is taught at universities?
The responses of this questionnaire highlight the challenges faced by academics, politically and personally. In presenting the questionnaire findings, discussion will include the hope and the limitations of the future of Mad Studies in the academy.
| Period | 7 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Nordic Network on Disability Research: Disability in Local and Global Contexts |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Helsinki, FinlandShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |