La deistituzionalizzazione nel Mezzogiorno. Lotte antistituzionali e rinnovamento psichiatrico a Palermo e Reggio Calabria tra anni sessanta e settanta

Abstract

The article explores the history of the process of deinstitutionalization in Palermo and Reggio Calabria, in the context of the critical psychiatric movements in Italy (1960-1978). It is consolidated the idea of a Southern Italy unconnected with the “psychiatric question” and anti-institutional practices, in Italy due mainly to Franco Basaglia and his team. The essay focuses on this issue in the South of Italy where, as well as in the other experiences, the actions were both political and scientific. The analysis considers also the connections of Palermo and Reggio Calabria movements, in particular with Democratic Psychiatry, and looks at the role played by social movements and political forces.