In this article, we analyze how “child aggressiveness” was included in the classification systems of the DSM throughout its successive editions. First, we identified the significant transformations in the use of this clinical sign. Then, we discuss the clinical and political consequences of its transformations, both in the formulation of a psychopathology specific to childhood and regarding the social definition of normality and conduct deviations. Finally, we observed that the alleged regulation of childhood by the production of normative discourses about aggressiveness was followed by the increase of aggressive expressions of discontent and subjectivation of suffering. Our hypothesis is that such production is reinforced by neoliberal demands of performance, thus ignoring social and subjective demands for recognition.
Keywords
Aggressiveness; child; DSM; suffering