SOCIAL NORMS

• Social norms are fundamental to sociology as they form the foundation of social structure.
• The primary goal of sociology is to identify the source of social order, and norms are key to this order.
• No society or group can function without norms, as they facilitate orderly social intercourse and guide individual conduct.
• Norms are known as the “standards of group behaviour” and help regulate social interactions.
• The term social norms was first introduced by M. Sherif in The Psychology of Social Norms (1936) to describe common standards guiding members of established groups.
• The term “norm” is now used generically to represent folkways, mores, laws, customs, and other social guidelines.
• When something is referred to as a norm or normative, it signifies conformity to community expectations of behavior.
• The degree of conformity to norms can vary across different societies and contexts.

MEANING AND DEFINITION OF NORMS

Meaning of Norms

• Social norms are group-shared standards of behavior that guide actions and interactions.
• Norms represent standardized generalizations concerning expected modes of behavior based on social values.
• A norm is a pattern that sets limits on individual behavior, serving as a blueprint for actions.
• Norms determine, guide, control, and predict human behavior within a group or society.
• Examples of norms include:
  • “A good citizen always respects laws.”
  • “A gentleman pays his debts.”
  • “Younger ones must respect elderly people.”
  • “One must be quiet and respectful in a place of worship.”
  • “A lawyer must not present damaging evidence against their own client.”
  • “A scientist must search for truth and be free from prejudices.”
  • “Professionals must follow the ethics of their profession.”
• Norms govern social life and are evident in countless situations across different contexts.