Abnormality : Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

Give the definition for deviation from social norms

Answer 1

Any behaviour that does not follow accepted social patterns or social rules. Such violation of these patterns or rules can be regarded as abnormal behaviour and would be classed as unacceptable.

Question 2

How do social norms vary?

Answer 2

Norms, values and accepted ways to behave vary from one culture to the next and from one time period to the next.

Question 3

What does deviation from social rules focus on?

Answer 3

It looks at the impact of an individuals behaviour upon other people. The behaviour that is displayed is examined in terms oh how desirable the behaviour is for the individual and for society as a whole. Deviation form social norms can be seen as abnormal and undesirable.

Question 4

What are the different types of rules society has? What are they based on?

Answer 4

They are based on moral standards.
Rules can be explicit and breaking them could result in breaking the law e.g. Driving on the wrong side of the road
Other rules are seen as ‘codes of conduct’ e.g. Dress codes

Question 5

Give the two disadvantages of using deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.

Answer 5

1) It does not always clearly indicate that a person has a psychological abnormality. Therefore psychologists must be cautious when making judgements about wether deviation from social norms implies that someone is abnormal or just odd/eccentric.
2) Context must be taken into account. E.g. Being naked in the high street would be seen as odd and deviation from social norms, but not at a nudist beach, where it would be acceptable.

Question 6

What are the strengths of using deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality?

Answer 6

1) It distinguishes a difference between desirable and non desirable behaviour. This model aims to protect members of public from the effects of abnormal behaviour and the damaging consequences it can have. E.g. Being naked in a public area is abnormal and would be damaging and disturbing. Therefore highlighting it as abnormal aims to minimise this behaviour and protect the public from its effects.
2) It is not necessarily a bad thing and can be positive. Some people are socially deviant because they have chosen a non conformist lifestyle, or because they are motivated by high principles. It also creates a sense of individuality. E.g. The deviants in nazi Germany who spoke out against the atrocities that were being committed by Hitler; the deviants were doing the right thing by deviating from the norm.
3) It can help identify if someone has a mental disorder and therefore they can get the help they need.