Indiana Social Studies S.10.7

Social StudiesGrades 9–12Deviance and Social Control

The Standard

Identify the consequences of the medicalization of deviance.

2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain what changes when behavior once treated mainly as misconduct is viewed as a health issue. They trace effects on blame, treatment, legal penalties, and who makes decisions.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can explain why a person cited for public intoxication might receive treatment rather than a fine. They can name a benefit, such as access to care, and a drawback, such as required treatment or a lasting medical label.
Common Misconceptions: Students may assume a diagnosis means the behavior causes no harm or has no legal consequences. They may also think treatment always removes stigma or that court-ordered treatment is voluntary.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A person with alcohol dependence is cited for public intoxication. If a court orders treatment instead of a fine, name one likely benefit and one possible drawback.

Lesson moves

Give pairs case cards about public intoxication and have them sort response cards into fines, treatment, and possible effects on the person.
Ask students to write: If a court orders treatment instead of a fine, who gains decision-making power, and what could go wrong?
Play a matching round: pair diagnosis, treatment referral, and required therapy cards with possible changes in blame, care, and freedom.
Read a drug court program webpage and have students highlight treatment requirements and any penalties for missing sessions.

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