Debating The Notion Of Racism As A Mental Disorder
Samuel Marson
Professor Emeritus, Sociology Department, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 4755 Century Oaks Lane, Winston
Patricia Dovyak
Director, Social Work Program, University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, OH 45674.
Abstract
The debate regarding racism as a potential mental disorder remains inconclusive in the field of mental health. This ongoing discussion between experts like Alvin Poussaint, MD, and Jeffrey Schaler, Ph.D., has failed to provide a definitive resolution. The main issue at hand is the absence of clear criteria to determine the classification of a mental disorder. To make progress in this debate, a fundamental question needs to be addressed: What defines a mental disorder? Without a solid framework for defining mental disorders, it is impossible to definitively categorize racism within this classification. This paper argues for a paradigm shift in the approach to this discussion, emphasizing the importance of grounding the debate in scientific principles. Only by establishing a scientific foundation can we hope to make substantial progress in the understanding of racism as a potential mental disorder.