What It Means To Be Normal Essay

Everybody has their own definition of normal. Some may say that to be normal one must be without any psychological and physical disabilities. Whereas other people think that normal means to be living life to the fullest, with no restraints. I on the other hand believe that there is no such thing as normal. I will be discussing the effects that dominant groups, cultural and gender norms have on the term “normal”.
Dominant groups are those of the majority, and they hold a higher social status, power and privileges; than those of subordinate groups. The dominant group in the United States are those who are men, Caucasian, middle-upper class, from the United States or first world country, of European descent, heterosexual, Christian, able-bodied, young and use the English language. Individuals of the subordinate group include women and transgender, people of color, poor-working class, citizens from second and third world countries, any ethnicity other than European, those that classify themselves as lesbian, gay and bisexual, they practice any religion except for Christianity, persons with disabilities, elderly persons and those that speak all languages aside from the English language. If this is the definition of normal as stated above, then we …show more content…
An example of a social norm in the United States would be to use your manners and have common curtesy. In our culture it is expected of the woman to do all of the cleaning, cooking and taking care of the children; whereas men are expected to be the breadwinners of the household. If one does not conform to these social or gender norms, they will be viewed as abnormal. In extreme cases one may be penalized or punished for breaking away from the norm. Normal behaviors can’t be changed due to social or peer pressure along with many other