Deviation from social norms Flashcards
What does deviation from ideal mental health suggest?
That we define mental illness by looking at the absence of signs of physical health (Jahoda)
When is a person’s thinking or behaviour classified as abnormal?
If it violates the (unwritten) rules about what is expected or acceptable bhaviour in a particular social group
With this definition of ideal mental health what must be considered?
The degree to which a norm is violated, the importance of that norm and the value attached by the social group to different sorts of violation
is the violation rude, eccentric, abnormal or criminal?
What is a strength of the deviation from social norms ?
Covers a broad range of criteria, most for which why someone would seek help from mental health services or be referred for help – Makes it a good tool for thinking about mental health
What social dimension does this definition give?
the idea of abnormality, which offers an alternative to the ‘sick in the head’ individual.
What is a limitation of deviation from social norm?
Social norms can vary from culture to culture. This means that what is considered normal in one culture may be considered abnormal in another. This definition of abnormality is an example of cultural relativism.
How can this definition be seen as unrealistic?
Most people do not meet all the ideals because few people experience personal growth all the time – The criteria may be ideals rather than actualities.
