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A Comprehensive Critique of Behaviour Disorder Discourses: Unmasking the Social Control Agenda

Anthony Wells

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Published in Diagnosing Disorderly Children: A Critique Of Behaviour Disorder Discourses

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The concept of "behaviour disorder" has been widely used within the mental health field to categorize and label individuals who exhibit behaviours that deviate from societal norms and expectations. These discourses have had a profound impact on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with such disorders, shaping their identities, experiences, and access to support and resources. However, a critical examination of behaviour disorder discourses reveals a number of problematic assumptions and implications that warrant further scrutiny.

Diagnosing 'Disorderly' Children: A critique of behaviour disorder discourses

by Valerie Harwood

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Historical Roots of Behaviour Disorder Discourses

The concept of behaviour disorder has its roots in the 19th century, when medical professionals began to categorize and classify individuals based on their psychological and behavioural characteristics. This process was influenced by the prevailing social and cultural beliefs of the time, which emphasized the importance of conformity and discipline. As a result, behaviours that deviated from these norms were often pathologized and labelled as "disorders."

The medical model of mental illness, which emerged in the late 19th century, further solidified the idea of behaviour disorder as a disease that required medical treatment. This model focused on identifying the symptoms of mental illness and developing treatments to alleviate them. However, it also contributed to the stigmatization of mental health conditions, as individuals who were diagnosed with these disorders were often seen as being inherently flawed or dangerous.

Theoretical Underpinnings of Behaviour Disorder Discourses

Behaviour disorder discourses are often based on a number of theoretical assumptions that have been challenged by critical scholars. One of the most common assumptions is that behaviour disorders are caused by individual deficits or abnormalities. This assumption ignores the role of social and environmental factors in shaping behaviour, and it can lead to a narrow and individualized approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours.

Another common assumption is that behaviour disorders are fixed and unchanging. This assumption can lead to a sense of hopelessness and fatalism among individuals who have been diagnosed with these disorders. It can also make it difficult for them to access the support and resources they need to improve their lives.

Social Control Implications of Behaviour Disorder Discourses

Behaviour disorder discourses have a number of social control implications that can be harmful to individuals and communities. First, these discourses can be used to justify the use of coercive measures, such as hospitalization, medication, and behavioural interventions. These measures can be traumatic and disempowering, and they can further stigmatize individuals who have been diagnosed with behaviour disorders.

Second, behaviour disorder discourses can be used to exclude individuals from mainstream society. People who are labelled as having behaviour disorders are often seen as being dangerous or unpredictable, and they may be discriminated against in employment, housing, and other areas of life. This can lead to social isolation and poverty, which can further exacerbate challenging behaviours.

Third, behaviour disorder discourses can be used to justify social inequality. By pathologizing certain behaviours, these discourses can create a sense of "us" versus "them," and they can be used to justify the oppression of marginalized groups. For example, behaviour disorder discourses have been used to justify the mass incarceration of Black and Brown people in the United States.

Towards a More Holistic and Empowering Approach

In light of the many problems associated with behaviour disorder discourses, it is important to develop a more holistic and empowering approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours. This approach should be based on the following principles:

* Recognition of social and environmental factors: It is important to recognize that behaviour is shaped by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Challenging behaviours may be a response to trauma, abuse, neglect, or other adverse life experiences. * Focus on strengths and resilience: Rather than focusing on deficits, it is important to focus on the strengths and resilience of individuals who have experienced challenging behaviours. This approach can help to empower individuals and give them a sense of hope and possibility. * Collaboration and empowerment: Individuals who have experienced challenging behaviours should be involved in all aspects of their care and support planning. This includes decision-making about treatment options and goals. Empowerment is essential for promoting recovery and well-being.

A critical examination of behaviour disorder discourses reveals a number of problematic assumptions and implications that warrant further scrutiny. These discourses have been used to justify social control, exclusion, and inequality. It is important to develop a more holistic and empowering approach to understanding and addressing challenging behaviours, one that is based on the recognition of social and environmental factors, a focus on strengths and resilience, and collaboration and empowerment. Only then can we truly create a society where all individuals are valued and supported.

Diagnosing 'Disorderly' Children: A critique of behaviour disorder discourses

by Valerie Harwood

4.9 out of 5