Definitions of abnormality: Deviation from social norms

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

behaviour that goes against what is viewed as acceptable by society is deemed as abnormal.

Question 2

Social norms

Answer 2

are often unwritten rules of society that people usually conform to even though they are not explicitly told to do so.

Question 3

Example

Answer 3

people will naturally form a queue whilst waiting to be served without being told to do so, abnormality would be not standing in a queue but pushing to the front.

Question 4

Evaluation weakness: unreliable

Answer 4

social norms change from one context to the next. (shouting abuse at a football match)

Question 5

Evaluation weakness: breaking social norms can be a good thing

Answer 5

I.e Nazi Germany & The civil rights movement

Question 6

Evaluation weakness: we would all be abnormal

Answer 6

if we took this definition literally, because we all break minor social norms. (returning library books late)