https://doi.org/10.25058/20112742.n57.04
Grecia Guzmán Martínez
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Abstract:
Drawing on autoethnographic approach elements and a literature review, a descriptive analysis was conducted on the main meanings and uses of the category of “experts through experience” within the mad movement in a Spanish-speaking context. A review of the notions of expertise and experience are provided through several examples from social studies of science and feminist epistemologies. As a result, a main tension was found in such uses and meanings, that is, both the right to madness and the participation of people with first-hand experience in certain sectors linked to the mental health system are being promoted. As a conclusion, I highlight the epistemic power of expertise through experience in that it allows for a shift between those who are traditionally recognized as subjects of knowledge and those who are recognized as subjects of study/intervention in this field. Without ignoring the aforementioned tensions, this contribution aims at strengthening that shift.
Keywords: mad movement, mad studies, mental health, expertise, experience.
