Expert: MDC - 3/8/2001

Question
I need to find info explaining what is meant by the term "medicalization of deviance" that is niether for nor against it, just factual. Then I need to find info that is either for it or against it. I've been looking for a week, and can't find what I need, can you help me?

Answer
Catherine,
The "medicalization of deviance," quoting from the Penguin <Dictionary of Sociology,> "refers to the. . .attachment of medical labels to behaviour regarded as socially or morally undesirable.  The implication is that modern medicine can cure all problems (including vandalism, alcoholism, homosexuality, dangerous driving, or political deviance) once these are recognized as 'diseases'."  Generally speaking, psychiatry, as an institution, is pro medicalization, as that provides a cause for its existence.  In a classic study on psychopathy, McCord and McCord assemble, and then critique, that logic.  Thomas Szasz has also contributed sharp criticism on this issue.  I hope I've been of help in you quest; good luck with your effort!