A comment on P. Conrad's medicalization theory

Abstract

This paper examines and criticizes medicalization theories with particular attention to P. Conrad's work. Medicalization theories are devided into two groups- critical and descriptive theories. Conrad's theory includes elements of both perspectives. Medicalization theories have a tacit assumption, namely, the [medical/non-medical] dualism. This dualism is not always relevant when people encounter medical affairs. According to Conrad's own research of 'compliance', epilespy patients decide whether or not they should comply to doctors' prescriptions in terms of their efficiency-'a ticket to normality'. People who do comply do not have the assumption of the [medical/non-medical] dualism. Therefore medicalization theories which assume the dualism fail to describe a variety of medical activities.