HS 250

Medicalization

Medicalization is the process by which everyday experiences become labelled and treated as medical issues. Since the 20th century, Western societies have become increasingly medicalized, and this change has led to shifts in how we define what it means to be healthy, and how we respond to disease. This course will explore different examples of medicalization, such as the increasing use of pharmaceuticals to treat anxiety and depression, and the re-introduction of midwifery into the Canadian health care system. Students will develop a nuanced understanding of the concept of medicalization while also critically examining the impact of medicine on our society and culture. Prerequisite: HS201.