Seed Award in HSS (360G-Wellcome-203846_Z_16_Z)

This project proposes to open a comparative understanding of mental illness in contemporary Namibia through in-depth, inter-disciplinary research that illuminates the present postcolonial moment in the light of the colonial past while it discloses breaks along with continuities in discourse and practice. Patients and families-centred accounts, largely neglected in the existing literature, will figure notably in this project. Focusing this illumination on Namibia,, the proposed research addresses two interrelated themes: the ‘content of madness’, that is, the patients’ subjective illness narratives and their subsequent medicalization; and ‘the emotional world’ of insanity which encompasses the pro-active engagement of families insofar as they re-direct, support and/or oppose the medical intervention among their kin. Central to this project is an interdisciplinary approach and the use of a varied methodology, including archival research, audio recordings and multi-media fine art practices. The award would enable me to assess available archives and lines of research, test out experimental methodology and establish an interdisciplinary network of Namibia based academics, mental health practitioners and artists, to further explore theoretical and methodological issues. Research outcomes include: an interdisciplinary project proposal for the Wellcome Trust Investigator Award, a photographic and art exhibition, collaborative publications, and an end of project workshop.