Definitions Normality (behavior)

1 definitions

1.1 mathematics
1.2 durkheim
1.3 influence of social norms
1.4 regulation

definitions

normality has been functionally , differentially defined vast number of disciplines, there not 1 single definition.

mathematics

in general, normal refers lack of significant deviation average. word normal used in more narrow sense in mathematics, normal distribution describes population characteristics centers around average or norm. when looking @ specific behaviour, such frequency of lying, researcher may use gaussian bell curve plot reactions, , normal reaction within 1 standard deviation, or average 68.3%. however, mathematical model holds 1 particular trait @ time, since, example, probability of single individual being within 1 standard deviation 36 independent variables 1 in million. in statistics, normal arbitrarily considered falls within 1.96 standard deviations of mean, or average 95% (see 1.96). probability of individual being within 1.96 standard deviations 269 independent variables approximately 1 in million. 59 independent variables, probability under 5%. under definition of normal, abnormal normal 59 independent variables.

durkheim

the french sociologist Émile durkheim indicated in rules of sociological method necessary sociological method offer parameters distinguish normality pathology or abnormality. suggested behaviors or social facts present in majority of cases normal, , exceptions behavior indicate pathology. durkheim s model of normality further explained frequent or general behaviors, , normal behaviors, persist through transition periods in society. crime, instance, exists under every society through every time period, , should considered normal. there two-fold version of normality; behaviors considered normal on societal level may still considered pathological on individual level. on individual level, people violate social norms, such criminals, invite punishment others in society.

influence of social norms

individuals behaviours guided perceive society s expectations , peers norms. people measure appropriateness of actions how far away social norms. however, perceived norm may or may not common behaviour. in cases of pluralistic ignorance, people falsely believe social norm 1 thing, in fact few people hold view.

when people made more aware of social norm, particularly descriptive norm (a norm describing done), behaviour changes become closer norm. power of these norms can harnessed social norms marketing, social norm advertised people in attempt stop extreme behaviour, such binge drinking. however, people @ other extreme (very little alcohol consumption) equally change behaviour become closer norm, in case increasing alcohol consumption. instead of using descriptive norms, more effective social norms marketing may use injunctive norms. instead of describing behaviour commonly done, injunctive norm approved or disapproved of society. when individuals become aware of injunctive norm, extremes change behaviour (by decreasing alcohol consumption) without boomerang effect of under-indulgers increasing drinking.

the social norms guide people not normal everyone. behaviours abnormal people may considered normal subgroup or subculture. example, normal college student behaviour may party , drink alcohol, subculture of religious students, normal behaviour may go church , pursue religion related activities. subcultures may actively reject normal behaviour, instead replacing society norms own.

regulation

a disharmony exists between virtual identity of self , real social identity, whether in form of trait or attribute. if person not have disharmony, or described normal. virtual identity can take many definitions, in case virtual identity identity persons mentally create conforms societal standards , norms, may not represent how are, represents believe typical normal person. real social identity identity persons have in society or perceived, or others, have. if these 2 identities have differences between each other, there said disharmony. individuals may monitor , adapt behaviour in terms of others expected perceptions of individual, described social psychology theory of self-presentation. in sense, normality exists based on societal norms, , whether normal entirely how or views him- or herself in contrast how society views him or her. while trying define , quantify normality start, definitions confront problem of whether describing idea exists since there many different ways of viewing concept.