Deviation from social norms

• What is the definition of abnormality based on deviation from social norms?

  Behavior that deviates from accepted social standards
• How does deviation from social norms define abnormal behavior?

  It violates expected or culturally accepted social rules
• What is the role of social context in the deviation from social norms definition of abnormality?

  Social norms vary across cultures and contexts
• How does deviation from social norms distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior?

  By violating widely accepted social expectations
• What is an advantage of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?

  It considers cultural and societal context
• What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?

  It is culturally relative and varies by culture
• How does deviation from social norms define behaviors in terms of social rules?

  It examines if behavior breaks social rules
• Can deviation from social norms account for abnormal behaviors that don't violate social rules?

  No, some behaviors may be abnormal without violations
• How might deviation from social norms apply to mental health disorders?

  Disorders may be seen as abnormal if behaviors differ
• What are the dangers of defining abnormality using social norms?

  It can lead to stigmatization and discrimination
• How does deviation from social norms relate to cultural differences?

  Social norms differ across cultures
• How might societal change affect the definition of abnormality?

  Social norms change over time with attitudes
• How does deviation from social norms apply to behaviors like criminality?

  Criminal behaviors typically break social norms
• How might deviation from social norms be used in clinical diagnosis?

  Clinicians assess behavior against expected norms
• What problem arises when social norms are used to define abnormality in a diverse society?

  Diverse norms make universal standards challenging
• How can deviation from social norms be helpful for diagnosing abnormal behavior?

  It identifies behaviors disrupting social harmony
• How does deviation from social norms affect the perception of certain behaviors?

  Abnormal behavior may be perceived negatively
• How is deviation from social norms subjective?

  Normal behavior is shaped by context and culture
• What is a limitation of using deviation from social norms to define abnormality?

  It can be culturally relative and historically biased
• What were drapetomania and nymphomania historically considered?

  Terms for supposed mental illnesses
• What does drapetomania refer to?

  A supposed mental illness causing escape from slavery
• How does drapetomania illustrate a limitation of using social norms to define abnormality?

  It shows how societal expectations labeled escape as abnormal
• What is nymphomania defined as?

  A disorder of excessive sexual desire in women
• How does nymphomania challenge the use of social norms in defining abnormality?

  It highlights how cultural biases shape definitions of abnormality
• How do drapetomania and nymphomania demonstrate a problem with deviation from social norms?

  They show behaviors labeled abnormal were socially constructed
• Why is drapetomania problematic in defining abnormality based on social norms?

  It shows how discriminatory norms influenced medical definitions
• What is the main issue with defining abnormality based on social norms?

  Social norms are subjective and culturally bound
• What are the implications of using social norms to define abnormality as illustrated by drapetomania and nymphomania?


  • Reflects cultural and historical biases
  • Can pathologize normal behaviors
  • Influences medical definitions based on societal expectations