Medicalize

Medicalization refers to the process by which non-medical problems become defined and treated as medical problems, usually in terms of illnesses, disorders, or syndromes. It is a sociological concept that has been in use since the 1970s, when it was first introduced by sociologists to describe the trend of viewing behavior as symptomatic of an underlying illness that needs to be treated.

History

The concept of medicalization was first introduced by sociologist Irving Zola in the 1970s. Zola observed that society was increasingly turning to the medical profession to address a range of human problems, from behavioral issues to aging, and this trend was being driven by a variety of factors, including the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and the increasing influence of medical insurance.

Process

Medicalization can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including the creation of new diagnostic categories, the expansion of existing ones, and the redefinition of certain behaviors or conditions as medical problems. This process is often driven by the medical profession, but can also be influenced by factors such as social policy, cultural change, and advances in medical technology.

Criticism

Critics of medicalization argue that it can lead to over-diagnosis, over-treatment, and the stigmatization of normal human variation. They also point out that it can shift responsibility for personal well-being away from individuals and towards the medical profession, and that it can contribute to the medical-industrial complex.

See also

• Biomedicalization
• Disease mongering
• Medical sociology
• Social construction of illness