Symptoms: Social, Psychological, and Physiological Disorders

Abstract

In this chapter I approach the varieties of human behavior that do not correspond to social, psychological, and physiological norms. Within each society, whether or not a particular behavior is classified as “normal” is determined by the definition of normality prevailing within the respective society; and a question of definition is invariably a question of power. Thus, we have to ask, which persons or groups have on which legitimized basis which possibilities to classify human behavior as being socially conform, psychologically adapted, and physically healthy? And in addition, what behavioral possibilities and restrictions are connected with a person’s being classified as deviant, disturbed, or unwell?