... of social learning and conditioning, or even a product of unconscious psycho sexual developmental problems, arguing that the phenomenon was not something that existed within an individual but rather that it was a social judgement or label imposed upon behaviour which broke the norms and rules of expected social behaviour. Szasz and Scheff argue there is no such thing as mental illness - it is merely a category of behaviour defined as such by powerful groups as a way to control society. Goffman argued the best way to view mental illness was as a form of social control. Hysteria for example was a 'female' disorder, which was commonly being diagnosed at the time when women were after greater rights and independence. The rebellious behaviour of these women was seen as unnatural and did not conform to the 'proper' female behaviour of being dependent and passive, so they were diagnosed with hysteria ...

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