Identify the correct options amongst the given statements.
A. Deviation from social norms indicate behaviour which is different from societal norms
B. Different societies have different social norms
C. Social norms indicate history and culture of society
D. People who do not conform to the norms are respected by others
E. Societal norms change with time and so do the acceptable behaviours
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A, B, C & E only
The statements are about the first approach to abnormal behaviour, which views it as a deviation from social norms.
A. Deviation from social norms indicate behaviour which is different from societal norms Correct. On this approach ‘abnormal’ is a label given to behaviour which is deviant from social expectations; behaviours, thoughts and emotions that break societal norms are called abnormal.
B. Different societies have different social norms Correct. Each society has its own norms: a society that values competition and assertiveness may accept aggressive behaviour, while one that stresses cooperation and family values, such as India, may consider it unacceptable.
C. Social norms indicate history and culture of society Correct. A society’s norms grow from its particular culture: its history, values, institutions, habits, skills, technology and arts.
D. People who do not conform to the norms are respected by others Incorrect. People who break the norms are the ones labelled abnormal; on this approach non-conformity brings that label, not respect.
E. Societal norms change with time and so do the acceptable behaviours Correct. A society’s values may change over time, and its views of what is psychologically abnormal change with them.
NCERT (2025-26): “Concepts of Abnormality and Psychological Disorders … The first approach views abnormal behaviour as a deviation from social norms. Many psychologists have stated that ‘abnormal’ is simply a label that is given to a behaviour which is deviant from social expectations. Abnormal behaviour, thoughts and emotions are those that differ markedly from a society’s ideas of proper functioning. Each society has norms, which are stated or unstated rules for proper conduct. Behaviours, thoughts and emotions that break societal norms are called abnormal. A society’s norms grow from its particular culture — its history, values, institutions, habits, skills, technology, and arts. Thus, a society whose culture values competition and assertiveness may accept aggressive behaviour, whereas one that emphasises cooperation and family values (such as in India) may consider aggressive behaviour as unacceptable or even abnormal. A society’s values may change over time, causing its views of what is psychologically abnormal to change as well.…” |