Monitoring Mad Mothers: Unmasking Violent Institutional Sanism

<div>This qualitative research study explores the experiences, thoughts and feelings of mothers who have been given a mental health diagnosis. Using a narrative inquiry approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two mothers from Toronto. The study uncovers how sanist beliefs intersect with other sites of oppression, and the affect this has on mothers and their Mothering practices. Particular attention is paid to asking what the effects are on women who are assumed to be violent towards their children, due to a mental health diagnosis. It asks what this type of sanism and mental health profiling does to their sense of self, resilience and hope for their families and their futures.</div>