"Normal" : Social Context & Signification
It is the most rigid in its social context and yet the most fluid, given it's ambiguity.
It defines norms, mores and traditions and yet defies the antecedent societal standards, every passing era. From it's etymological origin of "carpenter's square"(15th century) to it's later translation to "conforming to common standards" (19th century), it has set the boundaries for social behaviour and cultural acceptability, globally.
Let us examine it's context in the prism of gender roles and the resultant effects in the primary spheres. This is pertinent in the global and local context.
Gender Roles: The earliest assignation of biology as a determinant of gender identity set the precedent for social roles. The relegation of men as providers/ protectors and the women as child-bearers/ nurturers lead to stereotypes. Even until as recently as 1969, the Social Learning Theory outlines the Father as a role model and the upbringing of children pivots around acceptable behaviour on that very basis. Concepts of masculinity and femininity are it's derivatives.
Education: A deemed requisite for men to fulfil their role. Women were meant to conquer needlepoint, housekeeping and culinary skills in their secondary roles, irrespective of aptitude or interest. Thankfully nowadays the right to education extends to all though access is a different matter altogether.
Marriage: The family chose life partners for both genders. It was a choice exercised by the unit rather than an individual. The so-called societal wisdom then and to a large extent evident in many cultures, even today.
Career: A male sphere stronghold - designated "respectable" professions were listed for them. This societal standpoint also provided "status" in the familial context. Currently, this arena sees numerous women taking on that mantle and as Bolman and Deal observe astutely (Reframing Organisations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership) " Men and women lead differently but are more alike than different."
The designated boundaries were sacrosanct with few exceptions. These too were perceived as rebellion and possible only through a strong, supportive family. Courageous - in its pursuit of individual encouragement at the risk of societal ostracism.
The last few decades have seen a lot of these notions turned on their head with role reversals, non-stereotypical career choices, outlawing of social evils like dowry, child marriage, abuse within marriage. Newer perspectives to cohabitation, education, divorce, alternate sexual orientation etc.
A lot has changed and a lot still has to.
So where am I going with this?
Forward.
Normal now, has to be efficient and universally serving rather than a conventional, rigid constrict. It can no longer dictate demeanour, attire while not respecting individual inclinations, aptitudes and interests.
As someone said - "The character of a society is defined by the character of the men and women who are chosen as it's role model. We see it's collective impact on justice, honour, courage and sensibility.
The societal definitives are dissolving many boundaries through assertion and singular non-conformity.
It is a matter of expanding our perspective. Being more inclusive, respectful, empathetic. Embracing and accepting. We have caused enough damage to children and adults alike by setting performance standards and goals both in their personal and professional lives that are leading to serious mental health issues universally.
The normal changes every minute, every year, every decade but we resist recognising this. And the irony lies in the fact that every cited example has a social parallel as an anomaly. We include words like queer, trans, liberated, free-thinking in our dictionaries yet attach a stigma to someone who professes to be that.
If a word can be versatile, why can't we? Acceptance lies in non-judgement and mutual respect. Lending it credence in a kaleidoscope of "usual" and all it's extensions.
The signification will be evident in the realities - eradication of abuse in all it's forms, equal gender rights, opportunities and empowerment. Leading to a tolerant, saner, safer, happier world.
Let us be normal about all other kinds of normal !!
