Conclusion

Abstract

This book set out to identify the origins of current mental health policy in England and Wales. In particular, it focused on the policy relating to the mentally ill and the legal provisions made for them. In this account of the emergence of one particular social policy, it has been agreed that the political dimension in law-making and social policy has been seriously undervalued by most commentators. This book has attempted to redress the balance by ‘rediscovering’ the place of politics in the emergence of mental health policy. Throughout this book, politics has been regarded in three separate but related ways. Firstly, politics has been seen as the activity of politicians enacting legislation. Secondly, politics has been identified as the means by which interested parties sought to further particular causes. Thirdly, politics has been used as a concept to explain the relationship between those who hold power and influence and those who do not.