Question

Discuss why the following criteria are not completely satisfactory in defining abnormality: psychological dysfunction, distress, and “culturally expected” behavior.

Answer 1

In my view, the “cultural expectation” aspect of defining abnormal behaviour is highly debatable. This approach to normality assumes that what is defined as 'abnormal' depends on expectations and standards of culture, and thus on political, economic and social factors. Not only are these standards very arbitrary, they are also very contextual and vary based on time and place. Furthermore, this approach runs the risk of pathologising any behaviour that deviates from what is construed as “normal” by the culture.