Social Norms in Society

Social Norms

Definition

• Social norms refer to the unwritten rules that govern human behavior in a particular society or group
• They are the expectations and standards that are shared by a group of people and influence how they think, feel, and behave

Characteristics

• Social norms are often implicit, meaning they are not explicitly stated but are understood by group members
• They can be descriptive (describing what people do) or injunctive (prescribing what people should do)
• Social norms can vary across different cultures and social groups
• They can be influenced by factors such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status

Types of Social Norms

• Injunctive norms: prescribe what people should do
  • Example: "You should always wear a suit to a job interview"
• Descriptive norms: describe what people typically do
  • Example: "Most people wear casual clothes on the weekend"
• Subjective norms: refer to an individual's perception of what others think they should do
  • Example: "I think my friends expect me to attend the party tonight"

How Social Norms Influence Behavior

• Social norms can influence behavior through social pressure, conformity, and obedience
• People are more likely to conform to social norms when:
  • They are in a group setting
  • They are uncertain or lack information
  • The norm is seen as important or desirable
• Social norms can also influence behavior through the process of socialization, where individuals learn and internalize norms from their social environment

Examples of Social Norms

• Tipping at a restaurant
• Dressing formally for a wedding
• Not eating with your left hand in some cultures
• Using a fork and knife to eat in Western cultures

Theories of Social Norms

• Social Identity Theory: suggests that people conform to social norms to maintain a positive social identity
• Social Learning Theory: suggests that people learn social norms through observation, imitation, and reinforcement
• Diffusion of Innovations Theory: suggests that social norms can spread through a population over time, influencing behavior and attitudes

Social Norms

Definition and Characteristics

• Social norms are unwritten rules governing human behavior in a society or group
• They are shared expectations and standards influencing thoughts, feelings, and behavior
• Social norms are often implicit, varying across cultures and social groups, and influenced by age, gender, and socioeconomic status

Types of Social Norms

• Injunctive norms: prescribe what people should do, e.g., "You should always wear a suit to a job interview"
• Descriptive norms: describe what people typically do, e.g., "Most people wear casual clothes on the weekend"
• Subjective norms: refer to an individual's perception of what others think they should do, e.g., "I think my friends expect me to attend the party tonight"

How Social Norms Influence Behavior

• Social norms influence behavior through social pressure, conformity, and obedience
• Conformity is more likely when in a group, uncertain, or lacking information, or when the norm is seen as important or desirable
• Social norms also influence behavior through socialization, where individuals learn and internalize norms from their social environment

Examples of Social Norms

• Tipping at a restaurant
• Dressing formally for a wedding
• Not eating with your left hand in some cultures
• Using a fork and knife to eat in Western cultures

Theories of Social Norms

• Social Identity Theory: people conform to social norms to maintain a positive social identity
• Social Learning Theory: people learn social norms through observation, imitation, and reinforcement
• Diffusion of Innovations Theory: social norms spread through a population, influencing behavior and attitudes over time

Human Sexuality

Definition and Components

• Human sexuality encompasses thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to sex.
• Five key components of human sexuality:
  • Biological sex: physical and physiological characteristics defining males and females.
  • Gender identity: internal sense of being male, female, or something else.
  • Gender expression: presenting gender to the world.
  • Sexual orientation: emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to others.
  • Sexual behavior: expressing sexuality through actions and practices.

Sexual Response Cycle

• The sexual response cycle models physical and emotional changes during sexual activity.
• The cycle consists of:
  • Desire: motivation to engage in sexual activity.
  • Arousal: physical and emotional responses to sexual stimulation.
  • Plateau: peak of sexual arousal.
  • Orgasm: release of sexual tension.
  • Resolution: return to a state of relaxation.

Sexual Orientation

• Sexual orientation refers to emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to others.
• Types of sexual orientation:
  • Heterosexuality: attraction to people of the opposite sex.
  • Homosexuality: attraction to people of the same sex.
  • Bisexuality: attraction to people of both sexes.
  • Asexuality: lack of sexual attraction to others.

Sexual Health and Well-being

• Sexual health and well-being are crucial aspects of overall health and quality of life.
• Factors influencing sexual health and well-being:
  • Physical health: presence or absence of sexual dysfunction or disease.
  • Emotional well-being: presence or absence of emotional distress or trauma.
  • Relationship satisfaction: quality of relationships with sexual partners.
  • Social and cultural norms: cultural and social context in which sexuality is expressed.

Sexual Development and Expression

• Human sexuality develops across the lifespan, with significant changes during adolescence and adulthood.
• Factors influencing sexual development and expression:
  • Hormonal changes: role of hormones in shaping sexual development and behavior.
  • Social and cultural norms: cultural and social context in which sexuality is expressed.
  • Personal values and beliefs: role of individual values and beliefs in shaping sexual behavior.
  • Relationships and intimacy: role of relationships and intimacy in shaping sexual expression.