Andrew Scull

Andrew Scull is a British sociologist and historian of medicine, best known for his analyses of mental illness and psychiatry from a social constructivist perspective. He is currently Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Science Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

Early life and education

Scull was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oxford, and his Ph.D. from Princeton University in the United States.

Career

Scull's work primarily focuses on the social history of medicine, particularly mental health and psychiatry. He has written extensively on the history of madness, the social construction of mental illness, and the role of psychiatry in society. His books include Madhouse: A Tragic Tale of Megalomania and Modern Medicine and Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity.

Contributions to Sociology

Scull's research has significantly contributed to the field of sociology, particularly in the areas of medical sociology and the sociology of mental health. His work has helped to shape understanding of how societal forces and cultural norms influence definitions and treatments of mental illness.

Selected Publications

• Madhouse: A Tragic Tale of Megalomania and Modern Medicine (2005)
• Madness in Civilization: A Cultural History of Insanity (2015)

External links

• Andrew Scull's faculty page at UCSD