Deviation From Social Norms - Definitions of Abnormality

Deviation From Social Norms - Definitions of Abnormality

Definition:There are a set of social rules about how we should behave in society. Abnormality is seen as breaking these rules. For example: It is a social rule that you must stay clothed in public. An abnormal person would not follow this rule and so they would stay unclothed in public.

Weaknesses of the Definition:Context variations:What may seem to be following the social norm in one context may be different to another. For example homosexuality was considered against the social norm of the 1970's however it is now considered as part of the social norm.Culture variations:Following the social norms of one culture may be considered breaking the social norms of another. For example someone walking around in a bikini on a European beach is considered normal but in the Middle East it may be considered abnormal.