A sociological perspective on labeling in mental retardation.

摘要: The recent literature on labeling in mental retardation is reviewed and a conceptual scheme based Scheff s model presented for future study of the problem. issue medicalization or demedicalization discussed light P.L. 94-142. Since 1960s, legislators, administrators, edu­ cators, clinicians, parents, others, have shown much concern harmful effects mentally retarded individual. An intensive review this problem leads to confusion. For clinician, part diagnostic procedure. Diagnosis often dependent proposed actual disposition case be­ comes more accurate when treatment procedures are available tested. As proven, diagnoses seem be made allowing used. Diagnostic re­ liability strongly related severity dis­ order with reliability increasing as symptomatology evident specified: diagnosis severely profoundly tarded individuals very accurate; moderate begins decline; and, mild diag­ nostic low. Mercer (1973) has pre­ sented evidence suggesting that labels inappropriately applied many minority low income children. In these instances appears directly socio- economic status. A clinical differs from research nosis. latter collection information sample people classification playing part. Researchers define disorder being studied diagnose respondents basis an objective series criteria (Rowitz 1974a). Actually, researchers use studies treated prevalence service use. Research used community surveys. Labeling occurs both in­ stances; however, its meaning each previous examples. Much discussion relates attachment deviant tag status individual whose behavior does not appear