Norms

Definition

Norms are the established standards of behavior or rules that are expected and accepted within a culture or society. They shape how individuals behave in various situations and help maintain social order by providing guidelines for appropriate conduct. Norms can be formal, such as laws, or informal, like social etiquette, and they influence everything from daily interactions to larger societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Norms can vary significantly between different cultures and societies, influencing how people interact based on local customs and expectations.
2. The distinction between folkways and mores helps explain the varying degrees of seriousness assigned to different types of norms.
3. Norms are learned through socialization, starting from a young age as individuals observe and imitate the behaviors of others in their cultural environment.
4. Changes in societal values often lead to shifts in norms, demonstrating how norms can evolve over time in response to cultural transformations.
5. Violating norms can result in social sanctions ranging from mild disapproval to severe consequences, depending on the nature of the norm.

Review Questions

• How do norms influence individual behavior in a cultural context?
  • Norms significantly influence individual behavior by providing a framework of acceptable actions within a culture. When people understand the established norms, they adjust their behavior to align with societal expectations. This adherence helps maintain harmony and predictability in social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
• Compare and contrast folkways and mores in terms of their significance and enforcement within a culture.
  • Folkways are informal norms that guide everyday behavior and are usually not strictly enforced; violations might lead to minor social disapproval. Mores, on the other hand, are more serious norms tied to a society's moral values and often carry significant consequences when violated. While both are crucial for social order, mores typically reflect deeper ethical beliefs and have a greater impact on societal structure.
• Evaluate the role of norms in shaping cultural identity and community cohesion over time.
  • Norms play a vital role in shaping cultural identity by defining what is considered acceptable behavior within a community. They foster a sense of belonging and unity among members by reinforcing shared values and expectations. Over time, as cultures evolve and adapt to new influences, norms may shift, reflecting changes in societal values. This dynamic process highlights the importance of understanding how norms can both bind communities together and act as indicators of broader cultural transformations.

Related terms

Values:

Core beliefs or principles that guide individuals' behavior and decision-making within a culture.

Folkways: Informal norms or customs that govern everyday behavior and social conventions, typically not strictly enforced.

Mores: Stronger norms that carry moral significance, often tied to the values of a culture, and usually entail strict consequences for violations.