Although different definitions exist, most agree that medicalization is the process by which a nonmedical issue becomes formally recognized by the medical sphere. Often times, the term “medicalization” is used to scrutinize the process due to a plethora of reasons including labeling theory, the sick role, and overmedicalization. In my paper, I will address how this evolution occurs, weigh the benefit and harm it has on society, and explain how it is tied to sociology, psychology, history and religion.

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