Abstract
This chapter examines the ways in which deviation from some social norms and expectations becomes defined and treated as illness, or as a medical phenomenon, requiring intervention and treatment by medical personnel. The medicalisation of deviance is a historical social process, and is the outcome of professional and social-movement activity. It is often contested and not straightforward. The dominance of the medical model in explaining certain types of behaviour or conditions means that the emphasis is on the individual, who must be treated in some way in order to restore conformity or health. The medical model also relies on individuals taking responsibility to follow medical advice. The chapter first outlines the concepts of deviance and social control, and then examines the relationship between medicalisation and social control. It focuses on the role of psychiatry in identifying and regulating deviance, including criminal deviance.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Second Opinion |
Subtitle of host publication | An Introduction to Health Sociology |
Editors | John Germov |
Place of Publication | Victoria |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
Chapter | 13 |
Pages | 280-306 |
Number of pages | 27 |
Edition | 6th |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780190306496 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780190306489 |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- health
- illness
- social control
- medicalisation
- deviation
- social norms