Who believed that labels like "normal" and "abnormal" were created to control sexual diversity?

The belief that labels such as "normal" and "abnormal" were developed as means to exert control over sexual diversity is closely associated with Michel Foucault. Foucault argued that societal norms surrounding sexuality are constructs that serve to regulate and control individuals, thus reinforcing power dynamics within society. His work delves into how various discourses around sexuality have historically been used to categorize and manage people’s sexual behaviors, essentially marking some as acceptable and others as deviant.

In contrast, while Sigmund Freud contributed significantly to understanding human sexuality through psychoanalytic theory, he did not frame his views in terms of societal control over sexual diversity. Alfred Kinsey conducted comprehensive research on human sexual behavior and is known for normalizing diverse sexual practices rather than critiquing the societal labels around them. Judith Butler’s work focuses on gender and identity, particularly in the context of performance and social constructs; her theories do touch on gender norms but do not center around the specific discourse of "normal" and "abnormal" as Foucault does.

Therefore, Michel Foucault's perspective on the relationship between power and sexual norms aligns closely with the idea that definitions of normality are strategic instruments used to regulate sexual diversity.