Describe and evaluate 2 definitions of abnormality

• AO1- deviation from social norms

  Behaviour that goes against social expectations on how to behave and how not to. Social expectations are rooted to make society more pleasant. (Queues, not yelling indoors, smart dress at work)
• AO1- problem with social norms

  socially acceptable behaviour is always changing so some abnormal behaviours can now be seen as normal.

  homosexuality was deemed abnormal until recently

  women who were outspoken were seen as abnormal until recently
• AO1- failure to function adequately

  Someone is unable to cope with everyday life

  this could mean irregular eating habits, bad hygiene, avoiding socialising or work/school
• AO1- reasons of failure to function adequately

  the failing can cause the individual or others stress. some might be unable to realise this like if they were schizophrenic.
• AO3- subjectivity for FFA

  Both are subjective measurements of abnormality. Failure to function would find it hard to see how much distressed is deemed as too much. Someone might choose a stressful life but feel content So they’re not abnormal. Mislabels mental illnesses.
• AO3- subjectivity in DSN

  social norms change over time between groups. homosexuals were seen as mentally ill. this raises concerns about DSN being used to oppress non-conforming people.
• AO3- both have culture bias

  FFA- different across societies (independence praised in the West compared to collectivists)

  DSN- social norms aren't universal (eye contact is seen as bad in the East)

  limits generalisability to other cultures
• AO3- focus on the patient

  FFA- focuses on individuals subjective experience, more humane and practical to target treatment

  DSN- doesn’t consider experiences (someone dressing abnormal despite functioning well), this reduces definitions fairness
• AO3- misdiagnosis

  FFA- may label temporary distress as abnormal (grieving= struggling to eat/ sleep even though its a normal human response), lacks consideration of context

  DSN- labels those who live alternative lifestyles as abnormal even though they cause no harm