Medical science and pedophilia: Knowledge, discourses, and representations of pedophilia in medical books from 1910 to 1990 in a Brazilian public library

Abstract

Pedophilia is defined as a multifaceted and complex phenomenon associated with various domains of knowledge. This article investigates the representation of pedophilia in medical literature from 1910 to 1990, focusing on a Brazilian public library’s collection. Through documentary analysis, the study examines the evolution of medical discourse surrounding pedophilia and its impact on societal perceptions. Medical ideas about pedophilia and pedophile in the twentieth century were constructed upon concepts of pathology, perversion, and crime. However, the findings also reveal a shifting understanding of pedophilia over the examined period, transitioning from moral deviation to a complex psychological phenomenon. Initially framed as a moral issue, pedophilia gradually came to be understood within the realms of clinical psychology and psychiatry, highlighting the interplay between medical discourse and societal attitudes. In conclusion, this research elucidates the intricate relationship between medical discourse and societal perceptions of pedophilia. By acknowledging historical shifts and current challenges, policymakers and practitioners can develop more informed strategies for addressing pedophilia and safeguarding children and adolescents.