Social norms are how we should behave so
violation of these unwritten rules in society
is classified as abnormal. Social norms are
set b the social group e.g. school inc. morals
and expectations.
- Subjective - based
on opinions of elites
of society
- Changes over time -
Ecological
validity/Historical bias
- Discriminated against in
labelled - can be abused
if seen as abnormal
- Breaking norms can be beneficial -
Suffragettes / until 1980, homosexuality
was considered a psychological disorder by
the World Health Organisation (WHO)
Statistical Infrequency
A person's trait, thinking of
behaviour is classified as
abnormal if it is rare or
statistically unusual.
For example: an individual who has an IQ
below/above the average level of IQ in society is
abnormal
- Fails to recognise the desirability
of the particular behaviour e.g.
high IQ
Many rare behaviours/characteristics (left
handedness) have no bearing on
abnormality or normality.
Some characteristics are regarded as abnormal even though they are
quite frequent. DEPRESSION may affect 27% of elderly people (Nimh,
2001). This would make it common but that doesn't mean it isn't a
problem.