The process through which deviant conceptions or conduct are not assessed primarily on their content, but are treated as indications of a cognitive, moral, psychological or social deficiency in the person who holds or displays them.
- Explanation. Pathologisation is a particular form of person-directed delegitimation. The concept is used sociologically and does not denote a medical or psychiatric diagnosis. Within a social circle, pathologisation may help legitimate the social sanctioning or exclusion of fundamental deviation.
Occurs in Propositions
Last updated: 3 October 2026