On Human Rights Day, the Museum of Madness calls for the respect of human rights for those residing in long-term care institutions.
At the Museum of Madness in Trate, we have once again selected the best student theses on human rights and life in institutions. The committee unanimously decided to award three final theses. This recognition is given to young individuals as a token of appreciation for their dedication to human rights advocacy and as an encouragement to continue their work, inspiring others by their example.
The Museum of Madness was established in the premises of the first deinstitutionalized facility in Slovenia. This year marks 20 years since the closure of the institution in Trate—unfortunately, it remains the only institution in Slovenia that has been successfully shut down. In 2024, the Museum of Madness dedicated the year to the campaign What a Madhouse! (https://norisnica.muzejnorosti.eu), aimed at raising awareness about human rights violations and accelerating the deinstitutionalization process.
On Human Rights Day, December 10, 2024, we remind policymakers of the United Nations Guidelines on Deinstitutionalization, urging countries to begin deinstitutionalization without further delay, develop community-based services, prevent new institutional placements, and accelerate the transition of people from institutions to regular community settings with adequate support.
- Bachelor’s thesis: What (Doesn't) Help Me Survive: Returning to the User’s Perspective, by Sara Fras, Faculty of Social Work, mentor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mojca Urek, co-mentor: Asst. Juš Škraban.
- Master’s thesis: Psychiatric Treatment: Between the Biomedical and Psychosocial Model, by Michelle Musulin, Faculty of Education, Social Pedagogy, mentor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Špela Razpotnik.
- Master’s thesis: The Relevance of Anthropology Within Psychiatry: Why Do Psychiatrists Need Anthropologists?, by Tina Mlinarič, Faculty of Arts, Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, mentor: Prof. Dr. Rajko Muršič.
The selected works stood out due to their depth, innovative approaches, and use of advanced research methodologies.
The bachelor’s thesis, grounded in user experience, contributes to a better understanding of the individual’s perspective and offers valuable suggestions for improving practice in the field. It also serves as a potential starting point for further research and encourages more frequent use of qualitative methods in understanding and addressing suicidality.
For master’s theses, the committee decided to award two recognitions. Both winning theses demonstrated exceptionally strong theoretical frameworks and well-thought-out empirical research. Michelle Musulin presented a compelling comparative model between two countries, analyzing and interpreting personal experiences using an effective methodological approach that respects the diversity of individual perspectives. Tina Mlinarič excellently illustrated the historical connections between psychiatry and anthropology, highlighting their intersections. Through thoughtful ethnographic work, she proposed a valuable role for anthropologists in interdisciplinary teams, showing how anthropological knowledge and skills can enhance the understanding of cultural contexts and lead to better case resolutions.
We congratulate the recipients of the Museum of Madness Awards and encourage them to continue advocating for human rights and working towards deinstitutionalization throughout their careers.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 6 PM at the Museum of Madness in Trate.
You are kindly invited to attend the ceremony!