Socjologia

Social norms

Social norms are informal rules and expectations that influence the behavior of people in groups and societies.

Definition

They define what is considered acceptable, desirable, strange or forbidden in a given environment. They can organize cooperation, but also perpetuate pressure, conformism and inequality. Understanding norms helps distinguish your own choice from acting under the influence of a group.

Key ideas

  1. Oczekiwania grupy
  2. Konformizm
  3. Reguły nieformalne

Practice and life

When making an important decision, write down: what I want, what the group expects and what will happen if I choose differently.

Common misunderstanding

It is a mistake to accept a norm as truth just because it is common. The second mistake is to ignore the costs of rejecting norms altogether.

Questions for self-reflection

  • Jaka norma wpływa na moje zachowanie?
  • Czy ją wybieram, czy tylko się podporządkowuję?
  • Jak zachować autonomię bez zbędnego konfliktu?

Sources