188. The Formation Process of Social Norms: How Society Shapes Our Behavior

 

188. Society and Psychology - The Formation Process of Social Norms: How Society Shapes Our Behavior

Social norms are the unwritten rules that govern human behavior within a society. They define what is acceptable, expected, and appropriate in different situations, influencing everything from the way we dress and speak to how we interact with others. While some norms remain stable over time, others evolve as societies change.

But how do these norms develop in the first place? Why do people follow them, often without even realizing it? Understanding the psychological and social mechanisms behind the formation of social norms provides insight into how societies function, how behaviors spread, and how norms can change over time.

This post explores the process of social norm formation, the psychological factors that reinforce them, and real-world examples of how norms emerge and shift across different cultures and historical periods.

 

1. What Are Social Norms?

Social norms are shared expectations and rules that guide behavior in a society or group. They function as implicit agreements that help individuals navigate social interactions smoothly.

There are two main types of social norms:

１)  Descriptive Norms – What people actually do in a given situation.

o   Example: People tend to lower their voices in libraries.

２)  Injunctive Norms – What people believe they should do based on societal expectations.

o   Example: People believe they should offer their seat to elderly individuals on public transportation.

Norms vary across cultures, subcultures, and social groups. What is considered polite, rude, acceptable, or offensive in one society may be entirely different in another.

Example: In some cultures, maintaining eye contact during a conversation shows confidence and respect, while in others, it is seen as confrontational or disrespectful.

 

2. How Do Social Norms Form?

The development of social norms is a dynamic process influenced by multiple psychological, social, and cultural factors. Norms do not emerge overnight; they evolve through a complex interaction of human behavior, social influence, and cultural transmission.

1) Social Learning and Imitation

One of the primary ways norms form is through observation and imitation. People tend to follow behaviors that are modeled by others, especially those in authority or respected positions.

• Children learn social norms by imitating parents, teachers, and peers.
• New employees adapt to workplace norms by observing their colleagues.

Example: A child learns to say "thank you" and "please" because they see their parents doing it. Over time, this behavior becomes an expected social norm.

2) Social Influence and Peer Pressure

Humans are social beings, and the desire to fit in with a group plays a significant role in norm formation. Social influence can occur in different ways:

• Informational Influence: People follow norms because they believe others know the correct behavior.
• Example: When unsure how to behave at a formal event, people observe and copy others.
• Normative Influence: People conform to norms to avoid rejection or gain social approval.
• Example: Teenagers may start dressing a certain way to be accepted by their peers.

3) Reinforcement Through Rewards and Punishments

Norms become stronger when behaviors that conform to them are rewarded, and behaviors that violate them are punished.

• Positive reinforcement: Compliments, approval, or rewards encourage norm-following behavior.
• Example: A student praised for raising their hand in class is more likely to continue doing so.
• Negative reinforcement: Punishment, criticism, or social exclusion discourages norm violations.
• Example: A person who talks loudly in a movie theater may receive disapproving looks, reinforcing the norm of being quiet.

4) Institutional and Legal Reinforcement

Some social norms become formalized into laws, policies, or institutional rules to ensure widespread adherence.

• Legal norms: Society enforces behaviors through laws (e.g., wearing seatbelts, paying taxes).
• Institutional norms: Schools, workplaces, and religious organizations establish rules (e.g., uniforms, ethical guidelines).

Example: Smoking indoors was once widely accepted but became a social and legal norm violation as health awareness increased.

 

3. Why Do People Follow Social Norms?

Even when no formal rules exist, people tend to follow norms due to psychological and social pressures.

1) The Need for Social Acceptance

• Humans have an innate desire to belong to groups.
• Violating norms can lead to exclusion or disapproval.

Example: A person moving to a new country may adopt local customs to integrate into society.

2) Internalization of Norms

• Over time, repeated behaviors become automatic and internalized.
• People follow norms even when no one is watching because they believe in their importance.

Example: Most people do not litter even when no one is around, as cleanliness is an internalized social value.

3) The Cost of Deviance

• Violating norms can lead to embarrassment, punishment, or social sanctions.
• People calculate whether the risk of nonconformity is worth the consequence.

Example: In strict cultures, failing to follow dress codes may lead to legal penalties or social ostracization.

 

4. How Do Social Norms Change Over Time?

While some norms remain stable, others shift due to cultural evolution, social movements, and technological changes.

1) Generational Shifts

• New generations challenge traditional norms and introduce new ones.
• Cultural attitudes evolve as younger groups reshape social expectations.

Example: Attitudes toward gender roles have changed significantly over the past century, with increasing acceptance of gender equality in workplaces and homes.

2) Technological Advancements

• The internet and social media have transformed communication norms.
• Online etiquette differs from traditional social interactions.

Example: It was once considered rude to ignore phone calls, but texting has become the dominant form of communication, changing expectations.

3) Social and Political Movements

• Activism and advocacy can challenge existing norms and introduce new societal values.

Example: The civil rights movement in the U.S. led to the rejection of racial segregation norms and the adoption of equality as a social standard.

 

5. Examples of Social Norms in Different Cultures

Social norms vary across cultures and contexts, reflecting diverse values and traditions.

1) Greeting Norms

• In Japan: Bowing is a common greeting.
• In the U.S.: A handshake is typical.
• In France: Cheek-kissing is a standard greeting among friends.

2) Dining Etiquette

• In China: Slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoyment.
• In Western countries: Slurping is considered rude.

3) Personal Space and Social Interaction

• In Latin American cultures: People stand closer during conversations.
• In Northern European cultures: Maintaining more personal space is expected.

These differences highlight how social norms are culturally specific and shaped by historical and environmental factors.

 

Conclusion: The Power of Social Norms

Social norms play a fundamental role in shaping human behavior, providing structure and predictability in society. They develop through social learning, reinforcement, and institutional support, ensuring cooperation and stability.

While norms influence individuals, people also have the power to challenge and reshape norms over time. Understanding the psychology behind norm formation helps us recognize how cultural expectations evolve, how social pressures shape behavior, and how societies adapt to change.

In a rapidly evolving world, being aware of social norms’ impact on our thoughts and actions allows us to navigate social environments with greater understanding and flexibility.