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Unlock This CourseNorms and values are fundamental building blocks of society. They shape how we behave, what we believe is important and how we interact with others. Think of them as the invisible rules and beliefs that keep society functioning smoothly. Without them, social life would be chaotic and unpredictable!
Key Definitions:
Norms are like the rulebook for social behaviour. They tell us how to act in different situations. For example, queuing at a bus stop is a norm in the UK. Some norms are written down as laws (formal norms), while others are unspoken rules we all just seem to know (informal norms).
Values are the beliefs and principles we hold dear. They're what we think is important or worthwhile. British values might include fairness, freedom and respect for others. Values help shape our attitudes and guide our behaviour in broader ways than specific norms do.
Not all norms are created equal! Some are more serious than others and breaking different types of norms leads to different consequences.
These are written down and officially enforced. Breaking them typically results in official punishment.
These are unwritten rules that are enforced through social reactions. Breaking them might result in disapproval or being seen as odd.
Norms and values don't exist in isolation β they're closely connected. Values are the big ideas about what's important, while norms are the specific rules that put those values into practice.
If a society values respect for elders (the value), they might have norms about giving up seats on public transport for older people or using respectful language when speaking to them (the norms). The norms are the practical expression of the underlying value.
Value: Family togetherness
Norm: Having Sunday dinner together
Value: Academic achievement
Norm: Completing homework, studying for exams
Value: Environmental protection
Norm: Recycling, reducing plastic use
What's considered normal or important in one culture might be strange or unimportant in another. This is because norms and values are shaped by a society's history, environment, religion and many other factors.
The way people greet each other shows how norms vary across cultures:
These different greetings reflect different values about personal space, physical contact and showing respect.
Society isn't static and neither are its norms and values. They evolve as society changes, sometimes gradually and sometimes rapidly in response to major events or movements.
Consider how these norms have changed in the UK:
Several factors can drive changes in norms and values:
We aren't born knowing the norms and values of our society β we learn them through a process called socialisation. This happens throughout our lives but is especially important during childhood.
Different social institutions teach us norms and values in different ways:
Our first and most influential teacher of norms and values. Parents teach children basic behaviours like table manners, sharing and saying "please" and "thank you".
Schools reinforce social norms through rules and routines. They also teach values like achievement, cooperation and citizenship.
TV, films, social media and advertising show us what's "normal" or desirable. They can reinforce or challenge existing norms and values.
Sometimes different norms or values can contradict each other, creating dilemmas for individuals or groups. These conflicts can occur within a culture or between different cultures.
Consider these examples of value conflicts in contemporary UK society:
These conflicts show that even within one society, different values can compete for prominence and people may prioritise them differently.
Understanding norms and values isn't just academic β it helps us make sense of society and our place in it. Here's why they're so important:
By studying norms and values, sociologists can better understand how societies function, why people behave as they do and how social change occurs. This knowledge can help address social problems and create more inclusive communities.