São Vicente de Paula Mental Institution in the 19th Century Ceará

between sources and theory

Abstract

This work is part of the research carried out at the Doctorate in History by the Federal University of Pernambuco. It aims to analyze the theme of madness in Ceará in the 19th Century from the construction of the first asylum for the alienated, the São Asilo Vicente de Paula. Our goal is to problematize the social representations around madness and analyze the scenario that made possible the construction of the asylum, investigating the interests and power relations in which this institution was inserted. In this sense, methodologically, we maintain a dialogue with historiographical productions and Brazilian experts on the theme of madness and investigated the collection documentary in Ceará, especially those referring to newspapers of the time.