Abnormal Behavior Issues
Culture
Human culture varies tremendously from society to society and establishes what behaviors are considered normal within each given community (Henslin, 2008 p. 130). To a great degree, cultural norms, values, and expectations are completely arbitrary situational factors because the identical external behavior can have diametrically opposite connotations based purely on local custom. For example, burping after a meal is highly offensive in some cultures but considered an appropriate sign of contentment with the meal in others. All cultural norms reflect social learning in that individuals come to learn, internalize, and manifest whatever behaviors are promoted by their respective cultures (Henslin, 2008 p. 131). Deviance is also a common theme in human societies and reflects the choices of some individuals to adopt unconventional norms, values, and expectations of subcultures that differ substantially from those of their dominant society (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2009 p. 576).
Gender, Sexual Preferences, and Practices
Social norms also dictate what gender roles and sexual preferences and practices are considered normal or acceptable in society (Macionis, 2007 p. 493). For example, in some Middle Eastern societies, women are prohibited from many kinds of work, from driving, and even from appearing in public without specific clothes that hide their bodies and faces from view. Likewise, sexual practices and gender identity norms vary considerably from society to society: in some Eastern societies, it is considered normal for men to dress as women and to conduct sexual relationships with other men; in other (Middle Eastern societies, homosexuality is punishable by death (Schmalleger, 2009 p. 494).
Religion
Religious beliefs and values also differ tremendously, even within the same society, particularly in religiously free societies such as in the United States where individuals can choose their own religious traditions from many. Just as in the case of other aspects of behavior, religious norms, values, and behaviors can be diametrically opposite, with the identical practices or choices of foods being strictly prohibited in some religions while they are appreciated and encouraged in other religious traditions (Macionis, 2007 p. 494). Even religions can be the source of perceived deviance and abnormal behavior, such as where religious practices considered acceptable in some societies (e.g. ritualistic animal sacrifice) but abnormal and unacceptable in others (Macionis, 2007 p. 495).
References
Gerrig, R., Zimbardo, P. (2009) Psychology and Life. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Henslin, J.M. (2008) Essentials of Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach. Boston:
Pearson.
Macionis, J.J. (2007) Sociology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
