Definitions of Abnormality - The Deviation from Social Norms Definition
Norms are unwritten rules for acceptable behaviour
Any behaviour that varies from these norms is abnormal
The definition draws a line between desirable and undesirable behaviours and labels individuals behaving undesirably as social deviants : it allows interference into their lives to help them
These norms vary across cultures , situations , ages and genders
One important consideration is the degree to which a social norm is deviated from and how important society sees that norm
Strengths
Helps people
The fact that society gives itself the right to intervene in abnormal peoples lives can be beneficial , as people who need it may not be able to get help for themselves
Social Dimension
The definition gives a social dimension to the idea of abnormality, which offers an alternative to the isolated 'sick in the head' individual
Situational norms
The definition considers the social dimensions of behaviour : a behaviour seen as abnormal in one setting is regarded as normal in another . Eg being naked in town is abnormal but is normal on a nudist beach
Developmental norms
The definition establishes what behaviours are normal for different ages , eg using a nappy at aged 2 is considered normal but not at age 40
Distinguishes between normal/abnormal
The definition gives a clear indication of what is and isn't seen as a normal behaviour
Protects society
The definition seeks to protect society from the effects an individuals normal behaviour can have on others
Limitations
Subjective
Social norms are not real but are based on the opinions of ruling elites within society rather than majority opinion
Social norms are then used to control those seen as a threat to social order
A true definition of abnormality should be objective and free from subjective factors
Szasz (1960) sees the term mental illness as a form of social control . Those labelled abnormal are discriminated against . Some countries such as china have been known to label political opponents as abnormal and confine them to mental institutions
Change over time
The norms defined by society often relate to moral standards that vary over time as social attitudes change , eg homosexuality was not removed from the international classification of diseases classification of mental disorders until 1990
Individualism
Those who do not conform to social norms may not be abnormal , but merely individualistic or eccentric and not problematic in any sense
Ethnocentric bias in diagnosis
Western social norms reflect the behaviour of the majority white population
Deviation from these norms by ethnic groups means that ethnic minorities are over represented in the mental illness statistic
Cochrane (1977) found that black people were more often diagnosed with schizophrenia than white people or asians
However while this high rate of diagnosis for black people is found in britain , it is not found in other countries such as jamaica where black people are in the majority , suggesting cultural bias in diagnosis among british psychiatrists
Cultural differences
Social norms vary within and across cultures and so it is difficult to know when they are being broken
If a male wears a skirt does it indicate abnormality ? Would the same be true of a scottish male wearing a kilt ?
This definition is an example of cultural relativism
