Final answer:
Medicalization refers to the redefinition of aspects of life as sickness requiring medical attention. Examples include alcoholism and women's issues. The upside is increased recognition and support, but downsides include overdiagnosis and reliance on medical interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medicalization refers to the process by which aspects of life that were considered bad or deviant are redefined as sickness and needing medical attention to remedy. One example of medicalization is the view of alcohol and alcoholism in society. In the past, people who drank too much were considered lazy and bad, but now alcoholism is understood as a medical condition that requires treatment. Another example is the medicalization of women's issues, such as menstruation and pregnancy, which has been criticized for institutionalized sexism.
The upside of medicalization is that it can lead to increased recognition and treatment of previously overlooked conditions or behaviors. Medicalization can also reduce stigma and provide support for individuals experiencing these conditions. However, there are downsides to medicalization, including the potential for overdiagnosis, medicalization of normal life events, and the reliance on medical interventions rather than social support. These aspects should be considered when evaluating the impact of medicalization.