Eliminating discrimination against women in the area of health and safety, with a focus on the instrumentalization of women's bodies 2016, para. 73
Paragraph
Paragraph text
Viewing women's behaviour and biological physiology, in particular their reproductive functions and sexuality, as symptomatic of medical problems reflects a history of gendered pathologization. Historically, pathologization, unnecessary medicalization and institutionalization in mental care facilities have functioned as forms of social control exercised by patriarchal establishments to preserve the gender roles of women. Pathologization of women's behaviour has been evidenced in psychiatric diagnoses, which often directly target perceived immoral activity such as unconventional sexual activity or intellectual independence as a source of mental illness or disorder.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
Body
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice
Document type
Special Procedures' report
Means of adoption
N.A.
Topic(s)
Gender
Health
Person(s) affected
Women
Year
2016
Paragraph type
Other
Reference
WG Discrimination Against Women, Report to the HRC (2016), A/HRC/32/44, para. 73.