A major debate continues to fire up academics and media supporters on either side of the transgender issue. Those supporting life-altering drugs and surgeries for minors claim “social contagion” is not to blame for a wave of trans-identifying teenagers, while those who oppose such treatments insist that it is to blame.
Social contagion is not a new concept. It dates back to Plato and the term “behavioral contagion” was introduced by Gustave Le Bon in 1895. Social contagion itself was introduced by Herbert Blumer in 1939. While the concept is known, a clear and precise definition isn’t, though the most accepted premise is that social contagion happens when ideas, emotions, or behaviors are transmitted from one person to another without any direct intent to influence. Some minor examples include yawning and the panic that would break out if someone yelled “fire” in a crowded room.
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