Question

explain what is meant by deviation from social norms as a way to define abnormality { 8 marks } using simply psychology book page 146 to 150

Answer 1

• Deviation from social norms is one of the criteria to define abnormality.Every culture has some norms or expectations to engage in certain behaviours.So when an individual doesnt engages in the expected behaviour and does something totally opposite or unusual i.e. deviates from the set norms,the society considers it abnormal.This behaviour might not be abnormal is another culture.
• Social norms are culturally specific,there is no universal agreement on it.In Zulu society for instance,screaming in the street and hallucinations is considered normal,but in an American society it would considered abnormal.So the same behaviour could be normal in one culture,and abnormal in another,depending upon the culture specific norms.
• For example,in some cultures even today homosexuality is considered a mental illness but in other western cultures it is consider normal and America has even legalized LGBT marriages.
• Another example,in some cultures,wearing an animal suit and walking on the street for a charity event would be considered normal,but wearing the same suit for everyday activities like grocery shopping would be considered abnormal.