Understanding Norms in Human Behavior

Definition of Norms

• Norms: Standards for acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
• Characteristics:
  • Unwritten rules.
  • Guided by moral standards or ethical values.
  • Provide structure within groups.
  • Context-dependent (can change over time).

Examples of Context-Based Behavior

• Baseball Game: Yelling is normal and encouraged.
• Work Meeting: Yelling is not acceptable.

Cultural Differences in Norms

• American Greeting: Hello or handshake.
• European Greeting: Kiss on the cheek.

Changes Over Time

• Historical Example: Women playing baseball during WWII when men were drafted.

Classification of Norms

1. Folkways
   • Common rules or manners for daily activities.
   • Examples: Opening a door, helping someone, saying thank you.
   • Consequences: Usually minor, seen as rude if not followed.
2. Mores
   • Based on moral values or beliefs.
   • Example: Truthfulness.
   • Consequences: Strong reactions, but not always severe.
3. Laws
   • Formal norms with official consequences.
   • Examples: Jaywalking (minor), murder (severe).
   • Consequences: Specific punishments, context-dependent reactions.
4. Taboos
   • Behaviors that are completely forbidden.
   • Examples: Incest, cannibalism.
   • Consequences: Extreme, legal penalties, and severe societal disgust.

Review with Examples

• Folkway Example: Telling a friend their zipper is down (courtesy, no severe consequence).
• More Example: Disapproving of a friend showing too much skin (modesty, no serious consequence).
• Law Example: Streaking at a baseball game (punishment but not much outrage).
• Taboo Example: Severe punishment and societal disgust (not explicitly described).

Conclusion

• Norms are essential for understanding acceptable behavior in various contexts and cultures.
• They are classified into folkways, mores, laws, and taboos based on their importance and consequences for deviation.