Migration Ethnicity and Madness New Zealand 1860-1910

Discover the compelling narrative of migration and mental health in 'Migration, Ethnicity, Madness: New Zealand 1860-1910'. Written by renowned author Angela McCarthy and published by Otago University Press, this paperback edition provides an in-depth social, cultural, and political history of New Zealand’s immigrant experience during a transformative period. Dive into a unique exploration of how various ethnic backgrounds and migration histories shaped the lives of asylum patients and their families. This essential read draws on extensive research, including lunatic asylum records, immigration files, and medical reports, to uncover the complex challenges faced by migrants—a subject often overlooked in conventional migration studies. Unravel the psychological impact of relocation and settlement, alongside the issues of discrimination, segregation, and marginalization that continue to resonate today. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply a history enthusiast, this book offers a vital perspective on New Zealand's cultural landscape. Perfect for those interested in the intersections of ethnicity and mental health, as well as the broader implications of migration in society. Experience the untold stories and histories that define New Zealand's past.

Author: Angela McCarthy Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback


Publication Date: 20-05-2015

Migration, Ethnicity, Madness: New Zealand 1860-1910 provides a social, cultural, and political history of migration, ethnicity, and madness in New Zealand between 1860 and 1910. Its key aim is to analyse the ways that patients, families, asylum officials, and immigration authorities engaged with the ethnic backgrounds and migration histories and pathways of asylum patients and why. Exploring such issues enables us to appreciate the difficulties that some migrants experienced in their relocation abroad, hardships that are often elided in studies of migration that focus on successful migrant settlement. Drawing upon lunatic asylum records (including patient casebooks and committal forms), immigration files, Surgeon Superintendents’ reports, Asylum Inspectors’ reports, medical journals and legislation, the book highlights the importance of examining antecedent experiences, the migration process itself, and settlement in the new land as factors that contributed to admission to an asylum. The study also raises broader themes beyond the asylum of discrimination, exclusion, segregation, and marginalisation, issues that are as evident in society today as in the past.