what influences the emergence of norms?
The manner in which norms appear in these varying contexts depends upon the way in which individuals learn and internalize the norms of their environment. This is a direct factor of an individual’s personal characteristics and social history and the interaction between the two. A person or group’s “existential beliefs about human nature, the human condition, interpersonal relations, the functioning of social organizations and societies, and the nature of the world” also play a significant role in the formation of norms and have a impact on their nature and longevity (Online Dictionary of the Social Sciences, 2002).
The structural features of different situations can also affect the way in which norms show up in a given environment. Norms can emerge in response to high levels of risk in an environment in order to mitigate these risks such as in the case of the threat of collective punishment. Norms can also become tools used by those possessing greater structural power in a society or group and can be created and used to serve the interests of these individuals at the expense of those more vulnerable. At the same time, positive and effective structures and processes in a group or society can help to motivate the enforcement of norms as people use norms to gain approval or show they are trustworthy citizens. An example of this is the case of positive social reinforcement given for the punishment of theft or for helping strangers in need (Darity, 2008).
Another important aspect to consider in the emergence of norms is that a norm’s origin and its founding principles affects the importance attached to it in any given situation. For example, as Marini describes, “a norm based in morality that differentiates right from wrong is likely to be considered more important than a norm based in aesthetics that differentiates the appropriate from the inappropriate, for example, in matters of dress or etiquette.” (Darity, 2008).
Thus, each of these sublet yet important factors come into play when determining how a norm is formed and how it shows up in varying behavioral and situational contexts.
The structural features of different situations can also affect the way in which norms show up in a given environment. Norms can emerge in response to high levels of risk in an environment in order to mitigate these risks such as in the case of the threat of collective punishment. Norms can also become tools used by those possessing greater structural power in a society or group and can be created and used to serve the interests of these individuals at the expense of those more vulnerable. At the same time, positive and effective structures and processes in a group or society can help to motivate the enforcement of norms as people use norms to gain approval or show they are trustworthy citizens. An example of this is the case of positive social reinforcement given for the punishment of theft or for helping strangers in need (Darity, 2008).
Another important aspect to consider in the emergence of norms is that a norm’s origin and its founding principles affects the importance attached to it in any given situation. For example, as Marini describes, “a norm based in morality that differentiates right from wrong is likely to be considered more important than a norm based in aesthetics that differentiates the appropriate from the inappropriate, for example, in matters of dress or etiquette.” (Darity, 2008).
Thus, each of these sublet yet important factors come into play when determining how a norm is formed and how it shows up in varying behavioral and situational contexts.