Social Norm

DEFINITION:

A shared expectation, standard, or pattern of behavior that is widely accepted, practiced, or reinforced within a group, community, culture, or society.

FUNCTION:

Guides behavior by establishing what is considered normal, acceptable, appropriate, or expected within a collective environment.

EXAMPLES:

  • Social etiquette
  • Cultural customs
  • Dress expectations
  • Workplace behavior
  • Communication standards
  • Public conduct
  • Community traditions

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NOTES:

Social norms may be explicit or implicit, formal or informal. They are often maintained through approval, disapproval, imitation, reinforcement, expectation, and social feedback rather than formal authority.

CONTROL TEXT OBSERVATION:

People frequently adjust behavior based on perceived expectations from others. Social norms create a shared behavioral framework that helps stabilize collective reality by establishing what is considered ordinary, acceptable, or legitimate.