The article examines the evolution of the concept of 'normal' from a statistical term to a societal standard of acceptability. Initially a neutral descriptor based on the normal distribution, 'normal' has transformed into a prescriptive norm that influences perceptions of what is considered healthy or desirable. This shift reflects evolutionary biases toward similarity and group cohesion. By unpacking the multifaceted interpretations of 'normal' across different domains, the article argues for the necessity of separating 'normal' from 'ideal' to foster true inclusion in society.
The evolution of the word 'normal' has shifted from a statistical average to a prescriptive social standard, influencing how society perceives acceptability.
Human society must transcend the evolutionary bias that favors similarity, moving towards true inclusion that separates 'normal' from 'ideal' in social structures.
Despite its comforting implications, 'normal' has evolved into a complex construct that shapes perceptions of right, wrong, typical, and atypical.
The historical roots of 'normal' are tied to survival and group cohesion, reflecting cultural codification of biologically adaptive traits.
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