Honouring complexity and social justice in mental health: The socio-political economy of global mental health framework

Abstract

Despite advances in acknowledging the importance of community, relational and family systems, and social adversities for mental health, responses in research and policy are limited. This calls us to explore methods to reconceptualize social dynamics as they relate to mental health outcomes. In this paper, we map out the potential of one framework, which directs attention to the domains associated with the social determination of poor mental health, the socio-political economy of global mental health. In this essay, we outline the need for such a framework, the theoretical underpinnings that inform it, as well as the potential social domains for inclusion. We conclude by outlining the potential implications of such a framework in shaping new practice in global mental health that is oriented towards a broader social justice lens – beyond emphasis on redistributive approaches, and towards collective and collaborative action to change the conditions that make poor mental health a reality for many – as part and parcel of our care systems.