Sociology Norms and Mores Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of norms within a society?

To promote competition among individuals

To represent individual beliefs

To establish legal codes for society

To regulate behavior and provide social control (correct)

Which of the following best defines 'mores'?

Widely observed social norms that govern behavior (correct)

Observable actions without societal implications

Norms that are rarely observed

Fundamental beliefs held by individuals

Formal sanctions can include which of the following?

Unwritten rules in a community

Receiving a promotion at work (correct)

Social disapproval from peers

Exclusion from social groups

What does 'taboo' refer to in social norms?

Actions considered forbidden or socially unacceptable Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the process of aligning one's beliefs to that of a group?

Conformity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of 'obedience'?

Responding to authority with compliance Signup and view all the answers

Which method is an example of a 'foot in the door' technique?

Starting with a small request that grows larger Signup and view all the answers

What is 'stigma' primarily associated with in societal terms?

Disapproval based on perceived differences Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Norms and Mores

Norms are societal rules that outline acceptable behavior across various aspects, such as speech, dress, and home life.
Mores refer to widely observed social norms that hold significant social importance.
Norms, while not formal laws, facilitate social control by regulating individual and group behavior.

Sanctions

Sanctions are penalties for misconduct or rewards for appropriate behavior used to uphold social control.
They can be classified as formal or informal.
Formal sanctions are enforced by institutions (e.g., government, employers) and can manifest as promotions or punishments like jail sentences.
Informal sanctions arise from social groups, influencing social dynamics, such as inclusion or exclusion from peer groups.

Taboo and Folkways

Taboos are actions or subjects deemed forbidden, offensive, or socially unacceptable within a society.
Folkways are polite societal norms governing behavior in specific social interactions, such as shaking hands after a sports match.

Deviance and Stigma

Deviance is any violation of societal norms or expectations.
Stigma refers to strong disapproval or dislike directed at an individual or group based on perceived societal differences, which may have a ripple effect on their associates.

Conformity and Compliance

Conformity involves aligning one’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with group or societal norms.
Compliance is the change in behavior prompted by a direct request from another individual.

Techniques of Compliance

"Foot in the door" technique: Starts with a small request that gradually escalates to larger requests.
"Door in the face" technique: Begins with a large request, which when denied, is followed by a smaller, more reasonable request.
"Lowball" technique: Initially secures a commitment and then increases the cost or demands associated with that commitment.
"That’s not all" technique: An offer is made, and before the recipient decides, they are informed that the deal includes additional benefits.

Obedience

Obedience involves changing behavior in response to direct orders or expectations from an authority figure.

Description

Test your knowledge on societal norms and mores, which define acceptable behavior in various aspects of life. Explore the concepts of social control and the role of sanctions in maintaining order. This quiz will help you understand the distinctions and implications of these social constructs.