Is normality idealised or disparaged?

Holly Palmer

Normality has many different definitions and is often defined by what it is not, with our understanding of abnormality acting as a basis for how we define what is normal. These classifications of abnormality include: 

• Deviation from social norm - when behaviour differs from the accepted standards of society 
• Failure to function adequately - when someone is unable to cope with the ordinary demands of daily life which can lead to distress for themselves or others 
• Deviation from ideal mental health - when an individual does not meet a defined set of criteria for good mental health 
• Statistical in frequency - when someone possesses a trait which is uncommon in comparison to the general population

Each of these definitions has its limitations. For example, defining abnormality based on social norms brings with it cultural relativism and potential human rights abuses because something that may be abnormal in one culture could be expected and acceptable in another. In addition to this, statistically infrequent traits can sometimes be seen as positive. An example would be a high IQ. Other traits, which are more common such as depression which affects nearly 30% of people in their lifetime, is not statistically infrequent yet still something we would call abnormal.

This raises the question of what normality is but perhaps, an even more intriguing question is why do we constantly find ourselves torn between the desire to fit in and the need to express our individuality and stand out? Do we strive for normality or spend our lives trying to escape it?

The Stranger by Albert Camus:

This idea is explored in Albert Camus novel The Stranger, where the main character Meursault appears to lack morality and emotion and behaves in a way that shows this. This way of being makes him a stranger to society and during a trial for a murder he committed it is not so much the act itself that led to his condemnation, but rather his difference and abnormal way of thinking. Society finds his way of thinking more threatening than the crime itself.

Camus developed the theory of absurdism he believed that the universe is inherently irrational and argued that we must “revel in and rebel against life‘s absurd nature by finding a way to fill our heart with enough meaning between life and death that we must all be absurd men “ showing his suggestion that we must deviate from the norm to live fully.

Meursault's character was so striking as in most literature we come across characters who, rather than being abnormal like Meursault, are extraordinary. These stories imply that in order to be important we must deviate from the norm. We must be extra extraordinary. This is seen in so many young adult novels such as Harry Potter. These stories show how much we as a society idolise those who are different and encourage people to stand out from the crowd.

Language and normality:

This rejection of normality appears in everyday language with terms such as ‘basic’ becoming modern insults used to mock those with tastes which are more mainstream. The term has become synonymous with a lack of depth or individuality yet ironically those who are considered abnormal are also met with disapproval and labelled as ‘freaks’ or ‘weirdos’. This shows a very clear contradiction in how we perceive normality. On one hand we value conformity because it makes us feel accepted and safe whereas on the other we are drawn to uniqueness and individuality which we associate with meaning and authenticity.

Humans as animals:

This hypocrisy is rooted in biology as many animals, humans included, have an innate desire to belong to a group. Social conformity was absolutely essential for our ancestors' survival, it was through following established group behaviour such as avoiding predators or finding food which greatly increased the chances of survival.  Instead of taking new approaches which may be risky, early humans learned by observing and mimicking successful behaviours in others.

Research shows that children as young as two display a desire to conform. This may be due to social acceptance increasing levels of oxytocin which is a hormone associated with bonding and trust while social rejection reduces this hormone thus creating a biological reward system for conformity.

Neuroimaging studies have also shown that social rejection can activate the same brain regions as physical pain; these are the anterior cingulate cortex and the insula. This explains why exclusion can feel so deeply painful. In addition to this, our mirror neurons support conformity causing us to unconsciously mimic the behaviours, expressions and mannerisms of others. This means that social learning comes easily to us as we naturally adopt norms. On the other hand, social exclusion can increase cortisol levels which trigger a threat response.

These evolutionary and neurological factors make being normal not just desirable but also essential for our own social survival. Despite this, humans continue to strive for innovation and creativity and it is in domains that celebrate individuality like art and literature where we often see normality being disparaged. These spaces reject normality and being different, having unique ideas, and standing out is praised, and seen as courageous.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the view that humans have of normality is complex and often contradictory. Biologically, we are driven to conform for social survival yet we admire and aspire to uniqueness thus highlighting the internal conflict we have. We mock those overly conventional yet we judge those who stray too far from the norm. We are stuck between this desire to belong and an urge to stand out. We value normality for the comfort it brings while simultaneously rejecting it for the limitations it brings.