Question
How does society determine what is considered ‘normal’ versus ‘abnormal’?
Answer
Society’s determination of what is considered ‘normal’ versus ‘abnormal’ is a complex process influenced by various factors, including statistical norms, cultural values, and social interactions.
Statistical and Prescriptive Norms
One way society determines normality is through statistical norms, which involve the use of averages and central tendencies to define what is typical within a population. For example, the mean is often used to describe normal weather patterns or business cycles, but it may not fully capture the reality of individual experiences [1]. In addition to statistical norms, prescriptive norms, which are ideals or standards that society aspires to, also play a role. People often combine these statistical and prescriptive norms to form a notion of normality that influences their judgments and behaviours [2].
Cultural and Social Influences
Cultural context significantly impacts what is considered normal or abnormal. Behaviours or conditions deemed normal in one culture may be viewed as abnormal in another. This cultural relativity is evident in how different societies perceive mental health conditions or social behaviours [3]. For instance, certain behaviours might be labeled as deviant in one culture but perfectly acceptable in another, highlighting the role of cultural norms in shaping perceptions of normality [4].
Identity and Socialization
The concept of normality is also tied to identity and socialization processes. For example, Japan’s post-war identity has been shaped by Western norms, leading to perceptions of Japan as ‘abnormal’ in certain international contexts. This has spurred efforts to ‘normalize’ its policies and identity [5]. Such identity-producing processes illustrate how societal norms can influence national and individual identities, affecting perceptions of normality and abnormality.
Biological and Medical Perspectives
In medicine, normality is often defined using biostatistical models, which consider the average or typical biological states. However, this approach can be problematic as it may not account for individual variability or cultural differences in health perceptions [6]. The concept of biological normalcy also explores how cultural norms influence perceptions of what is biologically normal, such as the ability to digest lactose, which varies across populations [7].
Conclusion
Overall, society’s determination of normal versus abnormal is a multifaceted process involving statistical measures, cultural values, identity formation, and medical definitions. These factors interact to shape societal norms and influence how individuals perceive and respond to deviations from these norms.
References
Wiley, A. Pearl lecture: Biological normalcy: A new framework for biocultural analysis of human population variation. American Journal of Human Biology. 2021; 33. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.23563
Gillette, J. An examination of criteria for the determination of normal society. American Sociological Review. 1937; 2. https://doi.org/10.2307/2084769
Bear, A., & Knobe, J. Normality: Part descriptive, part prescriptive. Cognition. 2017; 167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cognition.2016.10.024
Honigmann, J. Toward a Distinction between Psychiatric and Social Abnormality. Social Forces. 1953; 31. https://doi.org/10.2307/2574227
Pikramenou, N. Eliminating the “Abnormal”. Intersex Rights. 2019 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27554-9_2
Hagström, L. The ‘abnormal’ state: Identity, norm/exception and Japan. European Journal of International Relations. 2015; 21. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354066113518356
Catita, M., Águas, A., & Morgado, P. Normality in medicine: a critical review. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine : PEHM. 2020; 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13010-020-00087-2
Cain, S. (2012) Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, London: Penguin
Collins (2005) Collins English Dictionary, Glasgow: Harper Collins
Elias, N. and Scotson, J. (1994) The Established and the Outsiders, London: Sage
Roach Anleu, S. (2001) Law and Social Change, London: Sage
