Explain, using examples, the concept of norms.
OCR
A Level
2018
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Essay Outline: Explain the Concept of Norms, Using Examples
This essay will explore the concept of norms, explaining their definition, relative nature, and relationship to other sociological concepts like values and socialisation. It will also provide various examples to illustrate the application of norms in different social contexts.
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
Definition of Norms
Norms can be defined as the generally agreed-upon rules or guidelines for behaviour within a specific social group or context. They represent the acceptable and expected ways of acting, interacting, and thinking within that group. Norms are crucial for maintaining social order and coherence, allowing individuals to understand and predict the behaviour of others.
Relative Nature of Norms
It is important to understand that norms are relative and vary across cultures, contexts, and social groups. This means that what is considered normal or acceptable behaviour in one society or setting may be completely different in another.
Relationship between Norms and Values
Norms are closely linked to values. Values represent the underlying beliefs and principles that guide a society or group, while norms are the specific rules that translate these values into action. For example, the value of respect for elders might manifest in norms such as using honorific titles or greeting elders with deference.
Norms and Socialisation
Socialisation plays a crucial role in learning and internalising norms. Through interactions with family, peers, institutions like schools, and the media, individuals learn about the norms of their society and how to behave appropriately. The case study of feral children, who have been raised without human contact, highlights the importance of socialisation in learning norms. These children often lack basic social skills and struggle to conform to societal norms.
Norms and Subcultures
Subcultures often develop their own distinct sets of norms that differ from the dominant culture. For example, gangs may have their own norms regarding dress, language, and behaviour, which may conflict with the norms of the wider society.
AO2: Application
Examples of Norms in Different Social Contexts
Classroom Norms: Examples include raising one's hand to speak, listening to the teacher, and completing assigned work. These norms help maintain order and facilitate learning.
Funeral Norms: These norms typically emphasize respect and solemnity, including wearing black clothing, speaking in hushed tones, and avoiding laughter or disruptive behaviour.
Party Norms: Party norms often involve a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, with behaviours such as loud music, dancing, and socializing encouraged.
Norms Related to Gender, Social Class, and Age
Gender Norms: Traditionally, there have been norms dictating appropriate behaviour for men and women, such as expectations regarding clothing, professions, and emotional expression. These norms have been increasingly challenged in recent times.
Social Class Norms: Different social classes may have distinct norms regarding language, etiquette, and consumption patterns. For example, upper-class individuals might be expected to use formal language and engage in certain hobbies, while working-class individuals might have different norms related to leisure activities and social interaction.
Age Group Norms: Different age groups have distinct norms related to behaviour, expectations, and responsibilities. For example, teenagers may have different norms regarding technology use, leisure activities, and dating than older adults.
Cultural Relativity and Norms
Margaret Mead's research on different cultures demonstrated the cultural relativity of norms. Her studies in Samoa, New Guinea, and the United States revealed significant variations in norms related to sexuality, gender roles, and child-rearing practices.
Lack of Norms and Non-Acceptable Behaviour
The case study of feral children provides an example of the consequences of lacking exposure to and internalising social norms. These children often exhibit deviant behaviour and struggle to adapt to societal expectations.
Linking Norms to Sociological Theories
Functionalism suggests that norms play a crucial role in maintaining social order and cohesion. By providing guidelines for behaviour, norms help to prevent chaos and ensure the smooth functioning of society.
Conclusion
This essay has explored the concept of norms, emphasizing their definition, relative nature, and relationship to other sociological concepts. Through various examples, it has demonstrated how norms operate in different social contexts and influence individual behaviour. Understanding norms is essential for comprehending the complexities of human interaction and social structures.
What are Norms?
Norms are the unwritten rules of society that dictate what is considered acceptable and expected behavior within a particular group or culture. They provide guidelines for social interaction, shaping our actions and influencing how we perceive and judge the behavior of ourselves and others. This essay will delve into the concept of norms, exploring their definition, characteristics, and societal significance, drawing upon a range of sociological examples.
The Characteristics of Norms
Norms are not static; they are relative and vary significantly across different cultures, time periods, and social contexts. What is considered normal in one society may be deemed inappropriate or even taboo in another. For instance, the concept of personal space varies greatly between cultures. In some Mediterranean cultures, standing close to someone while speaking is a norm that signifies friendliness, whereas in Northern European cultures, it might be perceived as intrusive or aggressive.
Furthermore, norms are learned through socialization, the lifelong process by which individuals acquire the values, beliefs, and behaviors of their culture. From a young age, we observe and internalize the norms of our family, peer group, and wider society. This process is exemplified by the case of 'feral children,' who, having been deprived of normal human interaction, often exhibit behaviors that deviate significantly from societal norms, highlighting the crucial role of socialization in shaping our understanding of acceptable conduct.
Examples of Norms in Society
Norms permeate every aspect of social life. Specific social situations often carry their own sets of norms. In a classroom setting, norms dictate that students should raise their hands before speaking, listen attentively to the teacher, and refrain from interrupting others. These norms facilitate a structured learning environment.
Gender norms prescribe different behavioral expectations for men and women. Historically, men have been expected to be assertive and breadwinners, while women have been socialized to be nurturing and homemakers. Although these traditional gender roles are evolving, they still exert a powerful influence on societal expectations.
Age is another factor that shapes norms. Different behaviors are expected of different age groups. For instance, it is considered normal for a toddler to throw a tantrum, but this behavior would be deemed unacceptable from a teenager or adult.
Subcultures, groups within a larger culture that share a distinct set of values and norms, provide further examples of how norms can vary. Within the subculture of a motorcycle gang, for example, norms of loyalty, brotherhood, and nonconformity may prevail, often contrasting sharply with mainstream societal norms.
The Relationship Between Norms and Values
Norms often reflect the underlying values of a society. For example, the norm of queuing in many British cultures reflects the values of fairness, orderliness, and respect for others' time. When individuals violate societal norms, it can be seen as a challenge to these underlying values, often resulting in social sanctions, such as disapproval or even punishment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, norms are fundamental to the functioning of society. They provide a framework for social order, predictability, and shared understanding. By outlining acceptable behavior, norms regulate social interaction, prevent chaos, and contribute to a sense of cohesion within groups and cultures. However, it's essential to recognize the dynamic and evolving nature of norms, as they are constantly shaped and reshaped by cultural shifts, social movements, and individual agency.
Free Mark Scheme Extracts
AO1: Knowledge and Understanding
The following list is indicative of possible factors/evidence that candidates may refer to but is not prescriptive or exhaustive:
- Definition should include reference to the acceptable / expected ways of behaving / generally agreed behaviour / guidelines for behaviour.
- Further explanation may refer to the relative nature of norms: culture / context bound; the relationship between norms and values; norms related to socialisation (e.g. feral children); norms related to sub-culture (e.g. gangs).
AO2: Application
The selected knowledge/examples should be directly related to the specific question. Award 1 mark for each example and 1 mark for any relevant explanation of norms (NB – the explanation doesn’t have to link directly to the example(s) provided).
Examples and explanations may include:
- Norms relating to specific social situations, such as in a classroom, or at a funeral or at a party;
- Norms related to gender
- Norms related to social class
- Norms related to age groups
- Norms related to specific cultures / nationalities; eg British norms.
- Examples may link norms to values.
- Examples of cultural relativity in relation to norms (Eg. Mead).
- Examples may refer to lack of norms / non-acceptable behaviour (e.g. feral children)
- Explanation of examples may make links to theory (e.g. functionalism)