Question

Think more in-depth about the medicalization of deviance: the transformation of deviance from a legal/moral issue into a medical condition (including mental illness/psychological disorder).

Think of one behavior that used to be a considered legal/moral deviance in the past that today is more likely to be seen as a medical condition. Then, answer the following questions:

1- What is this behavior?

2- Who responded to this behavior (police, community, therapist, teacher...) in the past and who responds to it presently (you might want to do some online research on this if you don't know; just make sure to cite your source)?

3- How was this behavior dealt with in the past, and how is it dealt with in the present?

4- Do you think the transformation of this behavior from a moral/legal deviance into a medical condition is positive or negative? Why?

5- Can you think of any examples of behaviors that were considered medical conditions in the past that are now considered moral/legal issues or even normal?

Answer 1

Behavior: Homosexuality

1. Homosexuality was considered a legal and moral deviance in the past, but today it is more likely to be seen as a medical condition, specifically a sexual orientation.

2. In the past, homosexuality was responded to by police and the legal system, with homosexual acts being criminalized in many parts of the world. Today, responses to homosexuality vary, but it is more likely to be dealt with by mental health professionals, LGBTQ+ community organizations, and civil rights advocates.

3. In the past, homosexuality was dealt with through criminalization, persecution, and discrimination. Today, medical professionals may offer treatment for psychological distress related to coming out or social stigma, but homosexuality itself is not considered a disorder or illness.

4. The transformation of homosexuality from a moral/legal deviance into a medical condition is generally seen as positive, as it has helped to reduce stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. However, medicalizing homosexuality has also been criticized for pathologizing normal variations in human sexuality and perpetuating stereotypes about LGBTQ+ individuals.

5. One example of a behavior that was considered a medical condition in the past but is now seen as a moral/legal issue is addiction. In the past, addiction was often seen as a disease or disorder that required medical treatment. Today, addiction is more commonly viewed as a moral or legal issue, with criminalization and punishment being the primary response. However, there has been a recent shift towards treating addiction as a public health issue and providing medical and social support for recovery.