Examples of social norms
Is this an example of a social norm? In America, people are expected to tip at restaurants.
Yes! If it's an expectation, it is an informal rule.
Who do social norms apply to?
The people / groups of people in that culture.
An example of breaking a social norm is to walk up the down escalator.
Is this an example of a social norm? In Arizona, it is illegal to keep a donkey in a bathtub.
No! If something is illegal, that means there's a written law about it, making it a formal rule.
Explain why a social norm is different than a law.
A law is a formal, written rule, whereas a social norm is an informal expectation of how to act.
Culture and context define a social norm.
True!
Is this an example of a social norm? In Singapore, it is illegal to chew gum.
No! If something is illegal, that means there's a written law about it, making it a formal rule.
Are social norms the same as values?
No! Values are the "what" that is important to someone, while social norms are the "how" to act on those values.
In the Philippines, people point with their lips.
True!
Why is it sometimes okay to talk loudly at a sports game but not in a library?
List 3 social norms for going to a restaurant?
- Tip the waiter
- Wait to be seated
- Use indoor voices
- Don't take food from someone else's plate
Breaking a social norm is always considered rude.
False!