What Do You Make Of The Criticisms Of Sex Therapy By Thomas
What Do You Make Of The Criticisms Of Sex Therapy By Thomas Szasz And
What do you make of the criticisms of sex therapy by Thomas Szasz and others, who have argued that sexual “dysfunction” is an arbitrary social creation? Is all sexual dysfunction in the eye of the beholder, or are there certain sexual attitudes and behaviors that are clear disorders? Write an essay of words addressing these questions. Give at least two examples to support your conclusion.
Peer follow-up: Respond to two of your classmates’ postings. In 75-100 words, or more, provide constructive, thoughtful feedback designed to build an engaging dialog. To achieve this, ask questions, share insights, or offer an article or other resource, that will contribute to a broader analysis of the topic at hand.
Paper For Above instruction
The debate surrounding the nature and legitimacy of sexual dysfunction is a complex issue at the intersection of medicine, psychology, and sociology. Thomas Szasz, a prominent critic of psychiatric diagnoses, argued that many conditions labeled as disorders, including sexual dysfunctions, are socially constructed rather than strictly medical issues. This perspective challenges the traditional classification of certain sexual behaviors or feelings as inherently pathological, suggesting instead that societal norms heavily influence what is considered "normal" or "abnormal" sexuality.
Szasz’s critique primarily hinges on the idea that labeling sexual variations or discomforts as disorders can serve social control purposes, pathologizing natural human experiences or deviations. For example, he argued that homosexuality was once classified as a mental disorder, reflecting societal prejudices rather than medical facts. Similarly, erectile difficulties or lack of desire could be seen as ordinary reactions to stress, aging, or relational issues, rather than intrinsic disorders needing "fixing."
However, this view raises critical questions about the boundaries of normality and disorder. Are all sexual difficulties merely subjective experiences that vary across cultures and individuals? Or are there certain patterns of sexual behavior or attitudes that genuinely threaten the well-being of individuals or society? Many clinicians argue that certain sexual behaviors, such as non-consensual acts or coercion, are inherently harmful and should be classified as disorders due to their adverse consequences. For instance, compulsive masturbation or sexual paraphilias that cause distress or harm could be considered clear disorders because they interfere with functioning and cause suffering.
Furthermore, understanding sexual dysfunction requires a nuanced approach that considers biological, psychological, and social factors. Erectile dysfunction, for example, has physiological roots like vascular issues, which distinguish it from purely social constructs. Similarly, persistent distress about one's sexuality may be indicative of underlying mental health concerns rather than arbitrary social opinions.
In conclusion, while Szasz’s critique prompts valuable reflection on the sociocultural influences on defining sexuality, not all sexual difficulties should be dismissed as social constructs. Some sexual attitudes and behaviors genuinely qualify as disorders due to their impact on health and well-being. Therefore, a balanced perspective recognizes the importance of individual experiences and societal norms, with careful evaluation to differentiate between culturally contingent issues and genuine disorders.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Szasz, T. S. (1974). The myth of mental illness: Foundations of a theory of personal conduct. Harper & Row.
- World Health Organization. (2018). International classification of diseases (11th ed.).
- Freud, S. (1905). Three essays on the theory of sexuality. Standard Edition.
- Kaplan, H. S. (1974). The new sex therapy: Active treatment of sexual dysfunction. Brunner/Mazel.
- Lerner, M. (2004). The creation of homosexual identity: A social history of the medical and psychiatric treatment of homosexuality. Routledge.
- Kaan, P. (2019). Exploring sexual identity and dysfunction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 16(4), 514-522.
- Bailey, J. M. (2011). Sexual orientation: A scientific perspective. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(7), 920–921.
- Brody, S. (2010). The physiology of sexual function. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(1 Pt 2), 124-137.
- Diamond, L. M. (2010). Sexual fluidity: Understanding women's love and desire. Harvard University Press.