Question

What important lesson concerning abnormal behavior can be learned from the example of a grown woman kissing the tarmac at an airport?

a. most of what people do is abnormal context must be considered when evaluating abnormality.
b. culture must be considered when evaluating abnormality.
c. kissing the ground is always an abnormal behavior because it is so uncommon.

Answer 1

Evaluating abnormal behavior requires taking culture and context into account, as they are essential in defining what is considered normal or deviant within a society.

Step-by-step explanation:

An important lesson concerning abnormal behavior that can be learned from the example of a grown woman kissing the tarmac at an airport is that culture must be considered when evaluating abnormality. Deviance and norms in behavior are highly context-dependent and reflect the cultural propriety and social norms of a society. In some cultures, certain behaviors might be viewed as a sign of respect or gratitude, such as kissing the ground after a safe flight, while in others, it may be seen as unusual or even inappropriate.

In conclusion, context and culture are key elements in defining whether a behavior is abnormal; without this consideration, we risk misunderstanding the actions of others and imposing our own biases. This concept is underscored by folkways, actions deeply embedded in our daily routines that seem trivial but hold significant cultural value, such as the folkway of kissing a grandmother on the cheek as a greeting in many cultures.