Cultural Relativism and Defining Abnormality

Cultural Relativism

• Cultural relativism is the idea that judging behavior is impossible without considering the cultural context.
• A lack of cultural relativism leads to ethnocentrism, where one's own culture's norms are used to judge others.
• Cultural context is crucial when evaluating abnormality.

Cultural Relativism Examples

• In the 1930s, single mothers were sometimes admitted to psychiatric hospitals because of societal norms.
• In the 1970s, homosexuality was treated with electric shocks in Australia, considered abnormal at that time.
• In some parts of China, fear of the wind, believed to carry negative energy, is seen as normal behavior.

Defining Abnormality

• Defining abnormality is complex, with no single definition being universally accepted.
• Four key criteria are frequently considered:
  • Statistical infrequency
  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately
  • Deviation from ideal mental health

Statistical Infrequency

• Behavior that is rare in the population is considered abnormal. For instance, individuals scoring significantly below average on intelligence tests might be considered abnormal based on statistical infrequency.
• A normal distribution graph often highlights this principle and the % of the population within various ranges of IQ scores. The average IQ is 100.

Deviation from Social Norms

• This perspective focuses on behavior that deviates from accepted societal standards.
• Societal norms, learned through socialization, dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior.
• Behavior deemed abnormal often breaks social rules and expectations.

Failure to Function Adequately

• Abnormality can be identified when someone is incapable of handling everyday demands.
• Signs of failure to function adequately may include: personal distress, causing distress to others, inability to work or maintain hygiene, harming oneself or others, and exhibiting maladaptive or irrational behaviors.

Deviation from Ideal Mental Health

• This approach to assessing abnormality focuses on the absence of positive indicators of psychological well-being.
• Jahoda's criteria for ideal mental health include: accurate self-perception, positive self-attitude, self-actualization, resistance to stress, environmental mastery, and independence.

Explore the concepts of cultural relativism and how cultural context impacts the definition of abnormality. This quiz discusses historical examples and key criteria for assessing what is considered abnormal behavior. Understand the complexities of evaluating behavior across different cultures.