3.2 Psychopathology - Deviation from social norms

Question 1

What is Deviation from Social Norms?

Answer 1

When behaviours differ from the common standards expected in society.

Question 2

Who determines what is ‘normal?’

Answer 2

The society itself as a collective

Question 3

Examples of Deviation from Social Norms

Answer 3

. Pushing in a line

. Not thanking the bus driver

Question 4

What disorder can lead to DFSN?

Answer 4

Anti social personality disorder - we make a social judgement based on this behaviour despite it not being their fault

Question 5

Limitations of Deviation from Social Norms

Answer 5

. Using it to diagnose mental health problems can be problematic
. Lacks cultural validity
. Lack Temporal Validity - e.g homosexuality is now accepted as normal, it never used to be
. People branded as abnormal mistreated e.g homosexuality again

Question 6

Strengths of Deviation from Social Norms

Answer 6

. Flexible dependant on situation and age

. Allows for society to be orderly