Definition Of Abnormality - Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

What is the description of deviation from social norms?

Answer 1

Under this definition, a persons thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the written rules about what is expected or acceptable in a particular social group

Question 2

An example of everyday behaviour relating to deviation from social norms?

Answer 2

Queuing - normally people queue for buses or to pay in the uk, so if you didn’t queue that would be abnormal as you go against social norms

Question 3

Example of psychological abnormalities relating to deviation from social norms?

Answer 3

Anorexia - social norm is to eat at a social gathering but if you are anorexic it is highly unlikely you would eat so you go against the norm by not eating or not attending

Question 4

Give 3 negative evaluation point about deviation from social norms as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 4

Social norms change over time (e.g homosexuality)
Context of the behaviours should be considered (wearing superman costume as day to day outfit or wearing it for charity?)
Desirable vs undesirable (rudeness is undesirable however is not a mental illness so not all undes behaviour that goes about social norms is abnormal)

Question 5

Give on positive about deviation from social norms as a way of defining abnormality?

Answer 5

The definition gives a social dimension the the idea of abnormality which offers and alternative to the isolated “sick-in-the-head” individual