Social Norms: Definition, Types, Functions and Examples

Edukasistan.com - Hello everyone! Social norms are rules that regulate behaviour and interactions among individuals in society. Social norms form the basis for daily actions and decisions, helping to maintain order and harmony in society.

Social norms can be divided into two types: formal norms and informal norms. Formal norms are rules established by official institutions such as governments or organisations, while informal norms are unwritten rules that are more traditional.

The functions of social norms include maintaining order, promoting safety, respecting individual rights, and facilitating healthy social interactions. Social norms include politeness, respecting elders, not smoking in public places, and paying taxes.

Social norms influence human behaviour because they help build a more harmonious society. By following social norms, individuals can gain recognition and support from society and strengthen social bonds with each other.

In this article, I will discuss Social Norms in detail, starting from the definition of social norms, types, functions, and examples of social norms. Let us dive right into this explanation to the end without further ado!

Social norms are fundamental in shaping human behaviour and building a harmonious society. These norms provide a clear framework for individual behaviour and help to know what is expected in various situations. By following social norms, individuals gain recognition and support from society, strengthen social bonds, and promote security and respect for individual rights.

Definition, Types, Functions and Examples of Social Norms

Social norms are rules society sets to regulate behaviour and interactions among individuals. They encompass various aspects of life, including how to dress, speak, interact with others, and much more.

Social norms can vary from one culture to another and are often applied informally. Social norms are formed and enforced by society through the process of socialisation. When we are born, we do not know social norms.

However, as we grow older, we learn about these norms through personal experience, observation of others, and teachings from parents and other community members. When we violate social norms, we may face social sanctions such as ridicule or rejection by other community members.

Social norms are divided into several types, namely folkways (everyday customary norms), mores (important moral norms), taboos (norms that prohibit specific actions), and laws (norms established by the government). Each has different sanctions if violated, which reflects their importance in society.

There are several types of social norms, each with its characteristics and rules. Standard social norms include folkways, mores, taboos, and laws.

1. Folkways Norms

Folkways are norms that regulate everyday behaviour considered habitual or customary in society. They do not have harsh sanctions if violated, but breaking folkways can cause social discomfort or exclusion from a group.

2. Mores Norms

Mores are norms considered very important in society and involve moral values. They have stronger sanctions if violated, such as rejection by family or community.

3. Taboos Norms

Taboos are norms that strictly prohibit specific actions. They are often related to things considered sacred or holy in a particular culture. Violating a taboo can be considered a serious offence and lead to severe social sanctions.

4. Laws Norms

Laws and norms are established by the government and enforced by the judicial system. They have legal sanctions if violated, such as fines or imprisonment.

To understand and respect social norms in everyday interactions, paying attention to behaviour and actions that apply in specific cultural and social contexts is very important. For example, in certain cultures, bowing when meeting an older person or wearing formal clothing at work may be required. Observing and adapting to these norms helps build better social relationships and avoid conflict.

Social norms have various functions in society. They help regulate individual behaviour, shape social identity, increase predictability, develop social skills, and reduce conflict.

1. Regulating Behavior

Social norms provide a clear framework for individual behaviour. They help us know what is expected of us in various situations and how to behave appropriately. For example, social norms dictate that we should queue in an orderly in public places.

2. Shaping Identity

Social norms help shape our social identity. They tell us what is essential in our society and what values we should adhere to. For example, social norms in a particular culture emphasise the importance of family and loyalty to family members.

3. Increasing Predictability

Social norms help create predictability in social interactions. We can predict how others will act and respond when everyone follows the same norms. This helps create stability and security in society.

Social norms also help develop our social skills. They tell us how to interact with others, speak politely, and show respect to others. Through observation and practice, we learn to behave by these norms.

5. Reducing Conflict

Social norms also function to reduce conflict in society. They provide a clear framework for behaviour that can help prevent conflicts and promote cooperation. For example, social norms dictate that we should respect the rights of others and not engage in violence.

Social norms can vary significantly from one culture to another. For example, in some cultures, social norms may require people to bow when meeting an older person as a sign of respect, while in other cultures, social norms may require people to shake hands.

In addition, social norms can also vary in different contexts within the same society. For instance, in the workplace, social norms may require us to dress formally and speak politely, while in a relaxed environment with friends, social norms may be more casual.

Conclusion

Social norms vary from culture to culture and are often applied unwritten. They are formed and enforced by society through the process of socialisation. Social sanctions such as ridicule or rejection may occur when someone violates a social norm. Therefore, understanding and respecting these norms is very important to interact effectively in a society or culture.

Social norms are essential in shaping human behaviour and interactions in society. They help maintain order and harmony and create a safe and stable environment. With social norms, society would be more cohesive and more accessible to live together.

In conclusion, social norms are the rules that govern behaviour and interactions between individuals in society. They are formed and enforced by society through the process of socialisation.

Social norms have various functions, including regulating behaviour, shaping identity, enhancing predictability, developing social skills, and reducing conflict.

They also vary in type and can differ in different cultures or contexts within the same society. Therefore, we must understand and respect social norms in our interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Social Norms?

Social norms are rules or customs society recognizes as guidelines for interacting and behaving within a group or society.

2. What are the types of Social Norms?

Types of social norms include religious norms, legal norms, manners norms, customary norms, and safety norms.

3. What is the function of Social Norms?

The function of social norms is to maintain harmony and order in society, regulate individual behavior, and strengthen the identity and culture of a group or society.

4. What are examples of Social Norms?

Examples of social norms include not smoking in public places, respecting the elderly and older people, not speaking rudely or using foul language, and respecting religious and cultural differences.