deviation from social norms

• abnormality is based on social context

  • person may be defined as abnormal = when they behave in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave
  • societies and social groups make collective judgements about 'correct' behaviours in particular circumstances
• social norms are culture bound

  • there are relatively few behaviours that would be considered universally abnormal => definitions are related to cultural context
  • includes historical differences within the same society
  • eg = homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not others and was considered abnormal in our society in the past
  • also = the degree to which a behaviour is abnormal depends on how extreme the deviation is and how important the norm is
  • eg = not saying “thank you” might be somewhat abnormal – but it’s not dangerous, just rude
• example = antisocial personality disorder (formerly psychopathy)

  • an important symptom of antisocial personality disorder is a failure to conform to 'lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour'
  • a psychopath is abnormal because they deviate from social norms or standards (they generally lack empathy)
• strength = RWA

  • deviation from social norms is useful in the diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder because this requires failure to conform to ethical standards
  • deviation from social norms is also helpful in diagnosing schizotypal personality disorder which involves 'strange' beliefs and behaviour
  • means that deviation from social norms is useful in psychiatric diagnosis
• limitation = social norms are situationally and culturally relative

  • a person from one culture may label someone from another culture as abnormal using their standards rather than the person's standards
  • eg = hearing voices is socially acceptable in some cultures but would be seen as a sign of abnormality in the UK
  • means it is difficult to judge deviation from social norms from one context to another
• extra evaluation = human rights abuses

  • reliance on deviation from social norms to understand abnormality can lead to abuse of human rights (eg nymphomania (as a disorder) to control women)
  • HOWEVER = we need to be able to use deviation from social norms to diagnose conditions such as antisocial personality disorder
  • => overall, the use of deviation from social norms to define abnormality may do more harm than good because of the potential for abuse