Taking Care established the author as an important social and
political analyst whose background happened to be in clinical
psychology. In this work the author develops the analysis of mental
illness, and psychology in general, in the contexts of society, power
and interest. People's experience is embodied in the world in which they
exist. Notwithstanding the claims of some, psychology cannot, in the
same way that magic cannot, change the nature of that experience
fundamentally. At best, psychotherapy might provide a degree of
understanding about that limitation. The historical relationship between
psychology and magic is examined. The socio-political and economic
structures of the society in which we live have the greatest influence
on mental health, as on many other matters. Therefore, the individuation
of focus in psychology on personal relationships, happiness, and
sexuality can significantly miss the point. We need to develop political
and social structures that 'take care' of people, to enable them to have
meaningful 'public' lives.