Social Norms

Definition

Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations about how individuals should behave in a given society or group. These norms shape behavior by providing a framework for acceptable conduct, influencing interactions, and establishing boundaries within which individuals operate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Social norms can vary significantly across different cultures and societies, meaning what is considered normal in one group might be viewed as deviant in another.
2. Norms can be formal, such as laws, or informal, like etiquette and customs, influencing everyday interactions among individuals.
3. These norms can change over time due to shifts in societal values, technological advancements, or significant events that alter public perception.
4. Violating social norms often leads to social consequences like ostracism or ridicule, which serve to reinforce adherence to these expectations.
5. Understanding social norms is essential for character development in storytelling, as they influence how characters interact with one another and respond to conflicts.

Review Questions

• How do social norms influence individual behavior within a community?
  • Social norms influence individual behavior by providing guidelines for acceptable actions within a community. They help shape attitudes and expectations, prompting individuals to conform to these unwritten rules to gain social acceptance. This process of conformity not only dictates how people interact but also reinforces the sense of belonging within the group.
• Discuss the impact of cultural differences on social norms and their implications for storytelling.
  • Cultural differences can significantly impact social norms, as what is deemed acceptable behavior in one culture may be inappropriate in another. This disparity presents opportunities for storytelling by creating conflict or misunderstandings between characters from diverse backgrounds. Writers can use these cultural clashes to explore themes of identity, acceptance, and the complexities of human relationships.
• Evaluate the role of social norms in character development and plot progression within a narrative.
  • Social norms play a crucial role in character development and plot progression by shaping how characters respond to challenges and interact with each other. Characters who conform to societal expectations may face different arcs than those who rebel against them. By analyzing how characters navigate these norms, writers can create dynamic storylines that highlight personal growth, conflict resolution, and societal critique.

Related terms

Cultural Norms: Cultural norms are the shared standards and values that are accepted and practiced within a specific culture, influencing the behavior and beliefs of its members.

Social Conformity: Social conformity is the act of matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms, often resulting from the pressure to fit in or be accepted by others.

Deviance: Deviance refers to behaviors or actions that violate established social norms, often leading to social sanctions or disapproval from the community.