Questions: The Dark History of Silencing Women Through Psychiatry

Female independence was viewed as madness in 19th century psychiatry.

Elizabeth Packard was institutionalized in the Jacksonville Insane Asylum for standing up to her domineering husband and asserting her right to her own opinion.

The prevailing belief was that it was natural for women to be fulfilled solely by being wives and mothers.

<p>Doctors declared that any woman who rejected her submissive, domestic role was medically impaired.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The diagnosis was 'morally insane'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Some of the treatments included clitoridectomy, removal of the ovaries, injection of ice water, and the application of leeches and caustics to the genitals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elizabeth wrote that she believed it would be a long time before the cure would be effective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elizabeth hoped that the spirit of resistance would never wear away in her.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Elizabeth believed that she was now free to be true and honest, and that the true woman shines brighter under the process, instead of being strangled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The author means that instead of suppressing or harming women, the process of trying to do so only makes them stronger and more resilient.</p> Signup and view all the answers