The social norms definition of abnormality Flashcards
What does the social norms definition of abnormality state?
It states that behaviour which conforms to social norms is ‘normal’ and behaviour that does not is abnormal.
What does every society have?
A set of commonly accepted rules and standards of behaviour.
What would not stealing/murdering be an example of?
Explicit and legally binding rules and standards.
What would queuing be an example of?
Implicit and not legally binding rules and standards.
If the majority consider the behaviour acceptable what is the behaviour considered?
Normal
If the majority consider the behaviour unacceptable what is the behaviour considered?
Abnormal
What aspects of society does the the model attempt to take into account?
Culture, age, the situation, gender and historical content.
Give an example of how the model may take an aspect of society into account.
For example, different cultures do have different norms and a behaviour which might be acceptable in one context might be abnormal in another.
Give an example of how the model may take an aspect of society into account.
For example, different cultures do have different norms and a behaviour which might be acceptable in one context might be abnormal in another.
Evaluate in terms of simplicity (strength)
It is not simplistic as it considered abnormality as a behaviour that goes against what is expected in every day life. Eg, it takes into account that someone who is highly intelligent is not considered abnormal in the sense of being mentally ill.
Evaluate in terms of ethnocentrism (strength).
It is not ethnocentric as the definition explains why different cultures have alternative ideas of what is normal/abnormal behaviour and it takes into account that there is no universal rule about abnormality.
Evaluate in terms of reliability (weakness).
If cultural, situational, age and historical differences are considered, then it is hard to have a reliable idea of what is normal. There, diagnosis is difficult, as there are no set symptoms to rely on, which would make this definition unsustainable to help with diagnosis.
Evaluate in terms of validity (weakness).
Any definition of abnormality would lack validity except in one particular culture, at one time, with one gender and age group and in one particular situation. Therefore, the validity of any diagnosis is also in doubt.
Evaluate in terms of objectivity (weakness)
Its difficult ot measure abnormality objectively and scientifically according to this definition as there are so many issues to take into account such as age, gender, culture etc, and a definition that does not allow objectivity might not be seen as suitable.
