Counterproductive epistemologies and discussed-crazy feminist debates

Abstract

In this paper, I aim to develop a discussion on the encounters and tensions between feminist epistemologies and mad-disabled epistemologies. First, I present an introduction of autoethnographic nuances, starting from the question of what is considered counter/againts-productive. Subsequently, I illustrate the move from androcentric studies in mental health to what I call feminist studies of madness. Then, I explain four points of debate that I identify as key between feminist epistemologies and mad-disabled epistemologies, I understand the latter as those generated from the mobilization of mad people, users, ex-users and survivors of psychiatry, in their alliance with the movement of people with disabilities. I conclude again with autoethnographic nuances and an analytical synthesis of these debates. I intend to contribute to a critical and more diverse production of knowledge in the field of feminisms and mental health, particularly questioning the dominant notions of Reason and productivity-functionality in these fields.