Outline and evaluate 2 definitions of abnormality (16 marks)
In order to identify when someone is suffering from mental illness, doctors refer to the
definitions of abnormality.
One definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency. This is when certain behaviours
deviate significantly from the average behaviour. We define the average behaviour in
society by referring to values such as statistics which inform us of the typical behaviours
among men and women. By defining what is normal or common behaviour, we can identify
abnormal behaviours too. For example, it is not the norm to have your first baby under 20
or over 40.
However, a weakness of using statistical data to identify normal and abnormal behaviour is
that is fails to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour as it is subjective.
Statistically speaking, many academically gifted individuals would be classed as abnormal
using this definition. For example, having an IQ or 150 when the ‘norm’ is around 100. This
‘abnormality’ would not need to be treated or wanted to as it is a benefit to the economy
rather than a burden. Furthermore, whether having an above or below average shoe size is
undesirable, or desirable is completely subjective. The use of the term ‘abnormal’ in these
contexts would not be appropriate. Many rare behaviours or characteristics have no bearing
on normality or abnormality but would be classed as abnormal on a distribution curve. It can
be argued, however, that if an agreed cut off point can be identified, it provides an objective
way, based on data, to define abnormality.
Another definition of abnormality is deviation from social norms. These are norms that are
created by a group of people and adhered to by those socialised into that group. Those
whose behaviour deviates from these social norms are classed as abnormal. Sometimes
these behaviours are considered implicit whereas others are policed by laws.
A weakness of using this definition of abnormality is that it is very era dependent. What was
seen as abnormal 50 years ago is no longer considered abnormal. For example,
homosexuality was an illegal behaviour classified as abnormal. Today it is considered
acceptable amongst all. Furthermore, some behaviours that are classed as ‘abnormal’ are
just due to being from a diverse culture. Therefore, depending on the social group who
created the norms, it may not be consistent throughout all types of people. Deviation from
social norms as an explanation of abnormality is also considered context dependent as some
things could be normal in one situation but abnormal in another situation. Adhering to
social norms means that society is ordered and predictable. As a society we are becoming
more socially acceptable and attempts to celebrate diversity. Compared to statistical
infrequency, this explanation does consider what is desirable and undesirable. Deviance is
defined in terms of transgression of social rules which are ideally designed to help us live
well together.
A weakness of both definitions is that they both have a problem with cultural relativism.
Both definitions attempt to define abnormality in terms of social norms which is bound to
be relative to the group of people around them. In the case of statistical infrequency,
behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more frequent
in another, for example hearing voices. This would be classed as a symptom of
schizophrenia however this experience is common in some cultures. Furthermore,
attempting to define abnormality in terms of social norms is also bound by culture as social
norms are defined by the culture. Classification systems such as the DSM are almost entirely
In order to identify when someone is suffering from mental illness, doctors refer to the
definitions of abnormality.
One definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency. This is when certain behaviours
deviate significantly from the average behaviour. We define the average behaviour in
society by referring to values such as statistics which inform us of the typical behaviours
among men and women. By defining what is normal or common behaviour, we can identify
abnormal behaviours too. For example, it is not the norm to have your first baby under 20
or over 40.
However, a weakness of using statistical data to identify normal and abnormal behaviour is
that is fails to distinguish between desirable and undesirable behaviour as it is subjective.
Statistically speaking, many academically gifted individuals would be classed as abnormal
using this definition. For example, having an IQ or 150 when the ‘norm’ is around 100. This
‘abnormality’ would not need to be treated or wanted to as it is a benefit to the economy
rather than a burden. Furthermore, whether having an above or below average shoe size is
undesirable, or desirable is completely subjective. The use of the term ‘abnormal’ in these
contexts would not be appropriate. Many rare behaviours or characteristics have no bearing
on normality or abnormality but would be classed as abnormal on a distribution curve. It can
be argued, however, that if an agreed cut off point can be identified, it provides an objective
way, based on data, to define abnormality.
Another definition of abnormality is deviation from social norms. These are norms that are
created by a group of people and adhered to by those socialised into that group. Those
whose behaviour deviates from these social norms are classed as abnormal. Sometimes
these behaviours are considered implicit whereas others are policed by laws.
A weakness of using this definition of abnormality is that it is very era dependent. What was
seen as abnormal 50 years ago is no longer considered abnormal. For example,
homosexuality was an illegal behaviour classified as abnormal. Today it is considered
acceptable amongst all. Furthermore, some behaviours that are classed as ‘abnormal’ are
just due to being from a diverse culture. Therefore, depending on the social group who
created the norms, it may not be consistent throughout all types of people. Deviation from
social norms as an explanation of abnormality is also considered context dependent as some
things could be normal in one situation but abnormal in another situation. Adhering to
social norms means that society is ordered and predictable. As a society we are becoming
more socially acceptable and attempts to celebrate diversity. Compared to statistical
infrequency, this explanation does consider what is desirable and undesirable. Deviance is
defined in terms of transgression of social rules which are ideally designed to help us live
well together.
A weakness of both definitions is that they both have a problem with cultural relativism.
Both definitions attempt to define abnormality in terms of social norms which is bound to
be relative to the group of people around them. In the case of statistical infrequency,
behaviours that are statistically infrequent in one culture may be statistically more frequent
in another, for example hearing voices. This would be classed as a symptom of
schizophrenia however this experience is common in some cultures. Furthermore,
attempting to define abnormality in terms of social norms is also bound by culture as social
norms are defined by the culture. Classification systems such as the DSM are almost entirely
