ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a first statement towards a theory of the medicalization of deviant behavior. The theory is presented in the form of seven conditions contributing to the medicalization of deviant behavior. The conditions of medicalization are presented as five antecedent conditions and two contingent conditions. The first three antecedent conditions are: behavior is defined as deviant and as a problem in need of remedy by some segment of society; previous or traditional forms of social control are not efficient or acceptable; and medical forms of social control are available. The next two antecedent conditions are: some ambiguous organic data must be present as to the source of the problem; and the medical profession is willing to accept the deviant behavior as within its jurisdiction. The two contingent conditions are: how much it benefits established institutions; and how well the proposed scientific explanation is accepted by significant segments of society.
