How are norms defined?
Norms are the customary rules that govern behavior in groups and societies. They are the unplanned, unexpected result of individuals’ interactions. Bicchieri argues that social norms ought to be understood as a kind of grammar of social interactions (2006). Like grammar, a system of norms specifies what is acceptable and what is not in a society or group.
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Norms are usually unwritten and are more specific and pointed than values in that deviations from norms are followed by such punishments as kidding, silent disapproval, or in the extreme, banishment. Values, on the other hand are more of a general criterion for evaluating that go beyond particular actions and situations (Marini, 2001).
Marini describes that, “whereas a value is a belief about the desirability of behavior, a norm is a belief about the acceptability of behavior” (2001). In this way, norms take the form of rules of behavior accompanied by feelings of obligation where as values produce feelings of attraction or repulsion. As such, norms are described as being either prescriptive norms that indicate what should be done or proscriptive norms that indicate what should not be done in a particular behavioral context (Marini, 2001).
Groups internalize norms by accepting them as reasonable and proper standards for behavior within the group. Once firmly established, a norm becomes a part of the group's operational structure and hence more difficult to change. While possible for newcomers to a group to change its norms, it is much more likely that the new individual will adopt the group's norms, values, and perspectives, rather than the other way around.
Norms are typically viewed as a behavior that people are coerced into in an attempt to remain appropriate. People will sometimes follow a norm just to remain in a particular social status and be accepted by a group. Therefore, breaking the status quo and getting past the hazy gray areas can be difficult for people to adjust to. There is often more attention on whether or not norms are broken or “disobeyed”. In daily life situations, a norm can be set as a social standard.
Marini describes that, “whereas a value is a belief about the desirability of behavior, a norm is a belief about the acceptability of behavior” (2001). In this way, norms take the form of rules of behavior accompanied by feelings of obligation where as values produce feelings of attraction or repulsion. As such, norms are described as being either prescriptive norms that indicate what should be done or proscriptive norms that indicate what should not be done in a particular behavioral context (Marini, 2001).
Groups internalize norms by accepting them as reasonable and proper standards for behavior within the group. Once firmly established, a norm becomes a part of the group's operational structure and hence more difficult to change. While possible for newcomers to a group to change its norms, it is much more likely that the new individual will adopt the group's norms, values, and perspectives, rather than the other way around.
Norms are typically viewed as a behavior that people are coerced into in an attempt to remain appropriate. People will sometimes follow a norm just to remain in a particular social status and be accepted by a group. Therefore, breaking the status quo and getting past the hazy gray areas can be difficult for people to adjust to. There is often more attention on whether or not norms are broken or “disobeyed”. In daily life situations, a norm can be set as a social standard.