what is the definition of deviation from social norms?
behaviour violating accepted social ruels
what does each society have?
norms , unwritten rules for acceptable behaviour.
give an example of a norm?
not being naked in public
what is any behaviour that varies from the norms?
abnormal, so abnormal behaviour is , therefore, behaviour that goes against social norms
what does the definition draw a line between?
desirable and undesirable behaviours
what does this definition label individuals behaving undesirably as?
social deviants; it allows inteference into their lives in order to help them
what will these norms vary across?
cultures, situations, ages , gender
what is seen as acceptable/normal in one culture/situation/age group/gender type will not be in otrhers
what is one important consideration?
the degree to which a social norm is deviated from and how important society sees that norm as being
give 3 strengths of the DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS definition?
HELPS PEOPLE
SOCIAL DIMENSION
PROTECTS SOCIETY
Give a strength of this definition?
helps people - society gives itself the right to intervene in abnormal people's lives which can be beneficial - maybe people who need help may not be able to get it themselves
give a strength of this definition?
protects society- this definition seeks to protect society from the effects an individual's abnormal behaviour can have on others
give a strength of this definition?
social dimension- the definition gives a social dimension to the idea of abnormality which offers an alternative to the isolated 'sick-in-the-head' indvidual
Give 3 limitations of the definition?
change over time
individualism
cultural differences
give a limitation of the definition?
individualism- those who do not conform to social norms may not be abnormal, but merely individualistic or eccentric and not problematic in any sense
give a limitation of the definition?
cultural differences:
social norms vary within and across cultures and so it is difficult to know when they are being broken
therefore this definition of abnormality is an example of CULTURAL RELATIVISM