Definitions of Abnormality

Definition 1 DEVIATION FROM SOCIAL NORMS

• deviation refers to deviant behaviour - behaviour considered unacceptable by the majority.
• There are social norms in any society - acceptable behaviour set up by social groups. 
• Politeness is an idea of a norm because people may find interaction difficult otherwise.
• Social standards adhere to more moral behaviour as well, sexual behaviour. Homosexuality was classified as deviant, but is not nowadays.

Limitations

• Susceptible to abuse 
  
• It varies as time changes (homosexuality). In Russia, anyone disagreeing with the state ran a risk of being placed in a mental institution. 
• If we use this definition we welcome definitions based on prevailing social morals and attitudes.
• Deviance is related to context and degree
• The context of the behaviour is important, wearing a bikini on a beach is acceptable whereas wearing this on the street is not, possibly an indication of a mental disorder. 
• No clear line between an abnormal deviation and eccentricity. 
• Social deviance on its own cannot offer a complete definition of abnormality.
• Cultural Relitivism
• Influenced by cultural factors. 
• Disorders are diagnosed differently in different places. Diagnosis may be different for the same person in two different…