STIGMA AND THE MORAL CAREERS OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS LIVING IN BOARD AND CARE

Abstract

Based on extensive observation and interviewing in a board and care setting, the author suggests some problems of adjustments to such living arrangements for the chronically mentally ill. The article concentrates on explicating the chronically ill person's typology of individuals living in board and care as a member's perspective of self and others. In turn, this typology reflects ways in which the chronically mentally ill come to terms with the “career” of the stigma of mental illness.