Deviation from Social Norms

• Abnormality


  Behaviour that is very different to the acceptable behaviour being produced by other members of the same society
• Societies make collective judgements about what is deemed to be correct behaviours in particular circumstances
• Relatively few behaviours that are considered universally abnormal therefore definitions are related to cultural context
• Definition of abnormal changes with time due to historical differences
• Homosexuality


  • Seen as abnormal in some cultures but not in others, and considered abnormal in our society in the past
• Antisocial personality disorder


  • A failure to conform to 'lawful and culturally normative ethical behaviour' - lack empathy