Four Meanings of Medicalization: Childbirth as a Case study

• DOI: 10.3280/ses2009-en2009
• Publication Date: 2021-06-16T16:19:40Z
• Authors: Wendy Christiaens; Edwin van Teijlingen
• Keywords: Medicalization; CLARITY

- Medicalisation is a commonly used and ‘easily' understood concept among health care providers researchers as well in popular culture, but it contested within medical sociology. This paper distinguishes between four meanings bestowed on medicalisation to enhance its conceptual clarity, using the example of childbirth an illustration. Within first generation theory, largely covering ideas Freidson, Conrad Illich, we distinguish three layers meaning: (a) origin model; (b) imperialism; (c) iatrogenesis. The meaning refers knowledge. In second daily life becomes increasingly defined terms illness, hence incorporating growing number domains social problems. power discourse associated control are central issues. third represented by critical or conflict sociological approach, which interpreted exaggeration control, emphasising iatrogenic (‘sick-making') effects. theory addresses changed more complex organisation care. New tendencies surpass old ones, adding new layer concept: optimalisation normal characteristics processes. Hence, phenomena become problematic consuming market created. A key message from our that poor conceptualisation analytical tool endangers quality comparability scientific research interdisciplinary collaboration. Keywords: medicalization, birth, iatrogenesis, imperialism, sociology health, Parole chiave: medicalizzazione, parto, iatrogenesi, imperialismo medico, sociologia della salute, assistenza sanitaria.