Deviation from Social Norms Flashcards
What are social norms?
Rules that a society has about what are acceptable, values and beliefs
Some rules as part of a social norm are implicit. What does this mean?
That they’re unspoken, but agreed upon as a matter of convention within a society
People who violate such norms are classed as what?
Abnormal
What is an example of deviation from social norm?
Antisocial personality disorder: when a person is impulsive and aggressive, pleasing only themselves. A failure to conform to lawful/culturally ethical behaviour
What does the definition draw a line between mean?
Desirable and undesirable behaviours and labels individuals behaving undesirably as social deviants
Social norms vary as times change. What is socially acceptable now may not have been 50 years ago. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)
Homosexuality is acceptable today, but in the past it was included under the sexual and gender identity disorders in the DSM
Social norms vary as times change. What is socially acceptable now may not have been 50 years ago. Why is this a problem? (Explain)
Its a problem as social norms can change quickly, often the diagnostic criteria doesn’t. It can be socially sensitive as it doesn’t recognise the importance of changing views and can discriminate.
Social norms are defined by the culture. This means a person can be abnormal in one culture but not another. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)
Hearing voices in one culture is socially acceptable but in the UK it is a sign of mental abnormality.
Social norms are defined by the culture. This means a person can be abnormal in one culture but not another. Why is this a problem? (Explain)
May lead to inaccurate diagnoses of mental health disorders meaning inaccurate treatment given due to cultural relativism.
Too much reliance on this definition can lead to violations of human rights. Why is this a problem? (Evidence)
Historical examples from social norms such as drapetomania (coloured enslaved people running away) were clearly diagnoses that were used to maintain control over ethnic groups. Appearing ridiculous today.
Too much reliance on this definition can lead to violations of human rights. Why is this a problem? (Explain)
It can be susceptible to abuse. Therefore, if we define abnormality this way there is a real way danger of creating definitions based on social morals/attitudes in a negative way
It includes the issue of the desirability of the behaviour . This means that behaviours that are numerically rare can be socially acceptable and therefore not abnormal . Why is this a strength? (Evidence)
Being a genius is statistically abnormal, but we wouldn’t want to suggest that is an abnormal behaviour in terms of psychopathy.
It includes the issue of the desirability of the behaviour . This means that behaviours that are numerically rare can be socially acceptable and therefore not abnormal . Why is this a strength? (Explain)
Offers practical and useful way of identifying undesirable behaviour which may alert others to need to secure help for the person concerned
