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Importance Of Social Norms

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Social Norms are the somewhat unwritten rules about how to act or how to behave. They provide us with an expected idea of how to behave in a particular social group or culture. They are the accepted standards of behaviors in particular groups, which may range from family, to friends, schoolmates, workmates, and other citizens. Because of these norms and their underlying implication, the people who do not follow them are shunned or ignored. Therefore, sociologists have given the definition, “Social norms are rules developed by a group of people that specify how people must, should, may, should not, and must not behave in various situations.” According to American sociologist William Graham Sumner, there are some norms labeled as “mores” which encompasses all norms that are necessary in a society. Such “mores” may include burying the dead or wearing a certain type of clothing. These norms are considered crucial and people must follow them no matter what. There are also some norms, which put some underlying pressure on the individual to conform, but unlike the first, it gives the person a little flexibility in …show more content…

It’s a feeling that is indescribable because it isn’t because of adrenaline from doing something dangerous. It’s just a feeling of excitement because you’re breaking something – even if it’s just a tiny thing. Malcolm Gladwell, who is a bestselling author and TED speaker, talks about how we are attracted to people who have a disregard for rules in his book “The Tipping Point.” At the same time, we have something innate in us that make us more inclined to break or stray away from the normal. We each want to be different, to be set apart from others. But with this confidence, I also felt a little scared of being reprimanded, mostly by the adults. The people mostly reacted with the way I expected. I don’t think that there is anyone who would particularly be happy with me not looking at them as I talk to

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