definitions of abnormality: deviation from social norms

deviation from social norms definition

society has certain expectations of how we should behave. if we behave differently to this then we are classed as abnormal
for example, a schizophrenic is abnormal as their behaviour is different to that of what society expects, such as talking to someone who isn't there

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different cultures have different ideas about what is socially acceptible, therefore behaviour in one country is normal but in another country it can be abnormal.
therefore we can't be certain a person is abnormal or if they are just non-conformist
for example, Afro-carribbeans are 7 times more likely to be diagnosed as schizophrenic in Britian because of there culture.

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making judgements on devience is related to the context of behaviour
a person wearing very little on a beach is considered normal but if that behaviour occured at a formal gathering it would be seen as abnormal
there isn't a clear line between abnormality and harmless eccentricity- being rude is abnormal but is not a symptom of mental illnesses
deviation from social norms on its own can't offer a complete definition of abnormality as its related to context and degree

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vaires when times change, what is socially acceptible now may not have been 50 years ago.
today homosexuality is more socially acceptible but 50 years ago it was classed as a mental illness
if abnormality is defined by deviation from social norms, we aloow it to be based on social morals and attitudes, therefore mental health professionals can class people as mentally ill if they go against social norms

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