Book Review: Hunger, Whiteness and Religion in Neoliberal Britain by Maddy Power

Abstract

and economic policies that increased inequality, reduced welfare payments and entitlement, and cut services. These are all factors that contribute to higher levels of mental distress across society Moth’s research demonstrates how professionals focus on service users becoming ‘responsible consumers’ who manage their own risk. In these twin processes, a broader social approach to mental distress that explores the social determinants of health (Karban, 2016) is lost. These trends have been exacerbated by austerity which saw further welfare retrenchment and measures that were specifically targeted at people living with disabilities. One of the striking features of this volume is that there are significant overlaps between the views of service users and CHMT staff. Both groups recognize mental health services are replicating some of the failings of institutionalized psychiatry. Modern mental health work has become defensive casework and risk management with a focus on compliance with medication. Moth concludes that the challenge to this approach will not come from service reforms that are rooted in neoliberal policy agendas. This can only come from progressive alliances that focus on promoting relationship-based work and a focus on broader social justice.