DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS (DSN)

• Abnormality is based on social context 


  When a person believes in a way that is different from how they are expected to behave they may be defined as abnormal.
• 3 types of consequences or behaviours

  These are relatively few behaviours that would be considered universally abnormal therefore definitions are related to cultural context.

  This includes historical differences within the same society.

  For example, homosexuality is viewed as abnormal in some cultures but not others and was considered abnormal in our society in the past.
• Example: antisocial personality disorder 


  One important symptom of antisocial personality disorder (formerly psychopathy) is a failure to conform to ‘lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour’.

  In other words, a psychopath is abnormal because they deviate from social norms or standards. They generally lack empathy.