Deviation from social norms

 This is another way of defining abnormality. Social groups have norms of what is considered to be socially acceptable behavior. Deviation from these is abnormal and undesirable.

 This approach has been criticised as follows:

- The perception of deviance may change over historical time and what is socially deviant varies across cultures with ethnic or religions differences.

- The definition ignores the role of social context. In some cases it may be desirable to be socially deviant.

- The concept of social deviance could lead to an abuse of human rights.