An example of the “medicalization of deviance” is
promiscuity being redefined as a moral faining.
theft being redefined as a “compulsive stealing.”
drinking too much being redefined as a personal failing.
when people steal drugs to self-medicate.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: theft being redefined as a “compulsive stealing.”
Explanation:
The “medicalization of deviance” refers to the process by which behaviors that were once viewed as immoral, criminal, or socially unacceptable are redefined as medical or psychological issues. This shift frames the behavior as a result of individual pathology rather than social or moral failings. In the case of “compulsive stealing,” the act of theft is no longer merely considered a criminal act or moral wrongdoing, but is instead seen as a manifestation of a psychological disorder, specifically “kleptomania.”
Kleptomania is classified as an impulse control disorder, where individuals feel a compulsive urge to steal, even when they do not need the stolen items. This medicalized perspective allows for the behavior to be addressed through psychological or medical treatment, such as therapy or medication, rather than through punitive measures. The redefinition of theft in this manner moves away from the traditional understanding of criminal behavior as a conscious, morally-driven choice, and reframes it as a disorder that requires intervention.
This medicalization is a reflection of broader societal trends where behaviors that deviate from the norm are increasingly seen through the lens of mental health. For example, addiction, previously seen as a moral weakness, is now often treated as a medical condition. The medicalization of deviance can reduce stigma by focusing on treatment instead of punishment, but it can also diminish personal accountability by attributing behaviors to psychological or physiological factors rather than choices.
The process has implications for policy, social attitudes, and even legal systems, as it suggests that deviant behavior should be treated more like a health issue than a moral or criminal issue. This is a significant shift in how society deals with behaviors that challenge social norms.