How Social Norms Shape Social Identity

Edukasistan.com - Hello everyone! Social norms are rules that govern behavior and social interactions in society. These social norms are fundamental in shaping our social identity. In our daily lives, we often follow these norms without realizing it.

However, understanding how these norms are formed can help us deal with challenges in social interactions. The function of social norms in society is essential. Social norms help maintain order and stability in society. With social norms in place, people can live harmoniously and respect each other.

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However, social norms can sometimes burden individuals who feel constrained by these rules. Therefore, we need to understand how norms are formed and how they can help us in our social interactions.

In this article, I will explain the function of social norms in society and how they shape our social identity. By understanding this, we can be wiser in following these norms and maintaining order and stability in society.

Social norms serve as a guide for behavior in society
Family, school, social media, and friends can shape a person's social identity.
Family has a vital role in shaping a person's social identity
Schools also have a role in shaping one's social identity through education and social experiences
Challenges in implementing social norms include cultural differences and harmful environmental influences.

How Social Norms Shape Social Identity

Social norms are rules that members of society follow to maintain order and harmonious relationships between individuals. The primary function of these norms is to create uniformity of behavior among members of society to create stability and harmony.

Examples of social norms can be found in various contexts, such as the workplace, school, and family. For example, some norms regulate work ethics in the workplace, such as time discipline, professionalism, and respect for colleagues and superiors.

In schools, some norms regulate the order of teaching and learning and the relationship between students, teachers, and fellow students.

Social norms are crucial in ensuring order and harmony in society. The primary function of these norms is to create a diversity of behavior among members of society, which in turn promotes stability and harmony.

Social norms play an essential role in shaping our social identity. Social identity is a picture of ourselves formed through interactions with the environment and people around us. This process of social identity formation involves internalizing the norms that exist in society.

There are several ways in which social norms are socialized and internalized by individuals, namely through family, school, social media, and friends.

1. Through family

The family is the first environment where individuals are exposed to social norms. Social norms taught by family members, such as values, traditions, and ethics, become essential to an individual's social identity.

For example, norms on interacting with parents, siblings, or older family members and values such as honesty, responsibility, and respect for others can shape how individuals view themselves and interact with society.

2. Through school

School is a social environment where individuals learn academic skills and social norms that are applied in an educational setting. Teachers, curriculum, school rules, and interactions with classmates all shape an individual's social identity.

Norms taught in school, such as discipline, cooperation, and respect for diversity, can influence how individuals view themselves and interact with their surroundings.

Social media has become integral to modern life and dramatically influences social identity. Social norms that emerge through online interactions, such as beauty standards, idolized lifestyles, and behavioral patterns promoted by celebrities or influencers, can influence individuals' self-perception and how they interact with others in the real world.

4. Through Friends

Peers (peer groups) also play an essential role in shaping an individual's social identity. Individuals tend to mimic the behaviors and values adopted by their friends.

Social norms within a group of friends can include things like style of dress, language, interests, and attitudes toward specific topics. Interactions with peers can form an essential part of an individual's social identity, especially during adolescence and young adulthood.

Social norms applied through family, school, social media, and friends can shape an individual's social identity in complex and diverse ways, influencing how individuals view themselves and interact with society.

Although social norms are essential in maintaining order and harmony in society, some challenges arise when applying them in various contexts. One challenge that often arises is the conflict between social norms and personal values and beliefs.

For example, in some cases, social norms may conflict with individual freedom or human rights. For example, in some societies, there are still norms that restrict freedom of speech or expression of specific sexual identities.

In such situations, individuals often face a dilemma between following social norms or maintaining their values and beliefs.

Conclusion

Social norms are studied through socialization processes that involve interaction with parents, family, peers, and surroundings. These processes form the social identity of individuals and affect how they see themselves and interact with society.

Social norms are essential in shaping our identity and maintaining social order and harmony. Through the socialization process involving family, school, social media, and friends, individuals learn about the rules of society and internalize them as part of themselves.

However, challenges also exist when we try to apply social norms in various contexts of our lives. The conflict between social norms and personal values is often a dilemma for individuals.

Therefore, individuals need to reflect on their social identity and the role social norms play in shaping it. With a better understanding of social norms and our identity, we can face the challenges and opportunities social norms offer daily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are social norms?

Social norms are rules or procedures that society recognizes as the correct way to behave within a group or community.

2. What role do social norms play in shaping social identity?

Social norms can shape a person's social identity because social norms influence the way a person behaves and interacts with others. By following the social norms that apply in society, a person can feel accepted and recognized as part of the group or society.

3. What are the types of social norms?

The types of social norms include religious, legal, politeness, customary, and moral norms.

4. How are social norms learned?

Social norms are learned through the socialization process that occurs since a person is a child. Socialization involves interaction with parents, family, peers, and the surrounding environment.

5. What is the impact of someone violating social norms?

If a person violates social norms, he/she may be perceived as disrespectful or not respecting the values prevailing in society. This can affect the way others perceive and interact with that person. In addition, violating social norms can also result in social sanctions, such as being shunned or alienated from the group or society.