Social perceptions of the concept of madness in sociology: Analytical reading

Abstract EN

Michel Foucault's work, "madness and folly: a historical exploration of madness in the classical era," has triggered significant shifts in societal responses to madness, redefining the field and altering societal reactions.

traditionally linked to fear, madness's historical associations with magic and sorcery have influenced societal perspectives.

sociology has allowed us to transcend these constructs, exploring manifestations of madness as deviations and variations in societal tolerance, termed social perceptions.

this research aims to understand how societal perceptions of madness have evolved, considering shifts in terminology and the concept's essence.

through a comprehensive questionnaire administered to 50 professors in Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi university-Tebessa, Algeria, we investigate perceptions across diverse age groups, academic ranks, and specializations.

the findings reveal nuanced variations in perceptions, highlighting the complex interplay between age, rank, and specialization.

while older professors tend to associate madness with supernatural forces, younger ones focus on mental illness.

academic rank influences interpretations, with professors emphasizing societaal issues more than assistants.

specializations like sociology and psychology exhibit greater sensitivity to societal factors.

in conclusion, societal perceptions of madness are multifaceted, influenced by age, academic rank, and specialization.

this research contributes to sociological understanding, emphasizing the enduring relevance of studying societal constructs surrounding madness.