In the book Critical Psychology: An Introduction, Rachel T. Hare-Mustin and Jeanne Marecek, in Chapter 7, take a critical approach to make sense of mental disorders. Critical psychologists raise the question: who defines something as abnormal? They state that those with power use language, which is a powerful tool to construct reality. This process is known as social construction. Critical psychologists argue that these social contrasts reinforce the dominant meaning, ideologies, and the status quo. “Ideology” is defined as a person’s worldview, while the “status quo” refers to the established way of things.
These social constructs regarding labeling behavior as “normal” and “abnormal” tend to align with the interest of those in power, at that specific moment in time and place.
For example, in the United States before the abolition of slavery, slaves who attempted to escape were labeled as suffering from “Drapetomania,” which is defined as “an uncontrollable urge to escape from slavery.” This diagnosis served the interests of slave owners, who were in power at that time.
Moreover, those in power tend to also construct a reality where they can maintain their status and reputation. The diagnosis of kleptomania emerged when department stores began developing in Europe. Because men controlled the money in the family at that time, women tended to steal from these stores. The women of high status were diagnosed with kleptomania, which states that individuals have an uncontrollable desire to steal. However, when women of lower class stole, they were labeled as thieves. By labeling upper-class women with kleptomania, their behavior was excused, and they were not condemned for their inappropriate behavior so that their reputation in society would not be disrupted.
A prominent man started loving an actress; however, he was already married and had ten kids. He, therefore, stated that his wife had a mental illness and sent her to an asylum. This man was none other than Charles Dickens. Men are considered to have more power in society compared to women in many regions of the world, especially in the past. Because of this power, they also tend to label certain behaviors and construct a reality that benefits them. For instance, women tend to experience eating problems. This can be explained in terms of mass media glorifying thin-figured women. This body type, preferred by men, historically allowed them to display their wealth and status through women, as a slim body signifies the upper class.
In conclusion, Hare-Mustin and Marecek argue that mental health disorders are a product of social construction by those in power. These labels tend to benefit the dominant groups and status quo, thereby urging psychologists and society to be more critical when adhering to these social labels that define certain behaviors as normal and abnormal.
