The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology (Fifth Edition)
The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology (Fifth Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN: 9780393264302
Author: Kerry Ferris, Jill Stein
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 14, Problem 1R
Summary Introduction

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There have been some changes to conditions that were one considered behavioral problems. Now, more conditions are considered medicalized.

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Consider how behaviors and conditions that were once classified as personal problems are now considered to be medical conditions. Think about how we now view illness as socially constructed so we view conditions differently. Conditions that were once thought of as addictions and behavioral issues are now examined in the medical field. There is a plethora of drugs available to help with behavioral conditions and weight issues. There are surgeries for almost any condition. We now blame many of the issues people have on the disease rather than the person. These conditions, now considered diseases, are now considered medical problems.

Think about some areas that were not considered to be medical conditions in the past but are categorized as such now. Some might include: childbirth, death, addiction, and depression.

What other examples of newly categorized medical conditions can you name?

If an addiction were thought of as something that can respond to medical treatment and/or therapy, would we consider video games or Internet usage to be an addiction? If we consider it an addiction, would it then be a disease? Consider that diseases are considered to be medical conditions. How would we now determine if this falls under something medicalized?

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Chapter 14 Solutions

The Real World: An Introduction to Sociology (Fifth Edition)

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