Contemplating Social Norms
Social Norms are defined as: “The rules that a group uses for appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. These rules may be explicit or implicit.
Failure to stick to the rules can result in severe punishments, the most feared of which is exclusion from the group. A common rule is that the some norms must frequently be displayed; neutrality is seldom an option.
Other norms include:
Injunctive Norms are behaviors which are perceived as being approved of by other people.
Descriptive Norms are perceptions of how other people are actually behaving, whether or not these are approved of.
Explicit Norms are written or spoken openly.
Implicit Norms are not openly stated (but you find out when you transgress them).
Subjective Norms: Expectations that valued others have about how we will behave.
Personal Norms: Standards we have about our own actions.
Norms are often transmitted by non-verbal behavior, for example with ‘dirty looks’ when people act outside the norms. They may also be transmitted through stories, rituals and role-model behavior.”
It’s said that the best type of control is to get the masses to govern themselves. Social norms are some of the standards set that aren’t always backed up by law. Depending on where you’re from, they can go so far as to dictate what you say, eat, wear, and who you socialize with.
Today I would like you to contemplate social norms and their influence on your life.
Remember, to help clear your mind before you start writing, take a few deep breaths. Focus on the sound of the air entering and leaving your lungs. Let the noises and worries of the day fade for a few moments while you focus only on breathing.
After you are calm, then think about social norms and start writing.
Wishing you much creativity.
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