Significance and identity of the asylum in the city. The Instituto Mental de la Santa Cruz between 1970 and 1987

Abstract

In this work I analyze the link between the psychiatric asylum and its surroundings, putting the focus on the Instituto Mental de la Santa Cruz of Barcelona, since 1970 until its closure in 1987. In the frame of the psychiatric conflicts that emerged in Spain at the early 70s, it starred strong protests and strikes promoted by the staff working in there. In addition to demanding a psychiatric assistance reform and the improvement of working conditions, they mobilized against its demolition. These claims were supported by the neighborhood movement, for which the asylum symbolized a whole of values associated with their identity as citizens of Barcelona, a conscience of the right to public services, and resistance to the current dictatorial regime. Through the study of press, I delve into the discourses that served to articulate the figure of the Mental in the citizen's imaginary, pointing out its contradictions and links with other fields.