Definitions Of Abnormality - Deviation From Social Norms

Question 1

What are social norms?

Answer 1

Frameworks that organise our society and are a result of a consensus.

Question 2

What can social norms be used for?

Answer 2

As a guideline to behaviour as we share an understanding of what is acceptable and desirable.

Question 3

Important Considerations

Answer 3

How important is the norm? The degree of deviation.

Question 4

Example of social norms

Answer 4

We share an understanding in our culture of personal space and when space allows we stand at an arms length or more to converse. Anyone standing closer when not constrained by circumstance (public transport) makes us feel uncomfortable.

Question 5

When do we choose to define behaviour as abnormal?

Answer 5

When it offends our sense of what is ‘right’ and ‘moral’. E.g. there are behaviours most would agree are abnormal on moral grounds. (May be related to abnormality).

Question 6

Strength 1

Answer 6

Definition gives a social dimension to the idea of abnormality (alternative to medical model’s biological determinism and concept of mental ‘illness’). Distinguishes between desirable and undesirable behaviour.

Question 7

Strength 2

Answer 7

By implication, model takes into account the effect behaviours have on others. Norms based on consensus, contribute to that consensus - transgression is behaviour that damages others.

Question 8

Weakness 1

Answer 8

What society agrees upon as basis of a set of norms can change over time. Homosexuality was only removed from the DSM in the early seventies.

Question 9

Weakness 2

Answer 9

Norms vary across and within cultures and this draws into question how practical it is to define abnormality in this way. E.g. Kwakiutl Indians burn valuable blankets to cast shame on rivals. In our society, if someone set fire to valuable possessions deliberately, would be regarded as very odd or mentally ill.