Social Norms refer to established rules of conduct maintained by a society. That specify how individuals should behave and should not behave within a given society. Groups or societies establish norms on the basis of shared values. Values are social conduct or, things mutually cherished by the members of a group or, society. Social norms protect and support collectively cherished social values. For instance, every society values good health. Children are socialized to accept this value in very young age. Parents ask children to brush before breakfast and going to bed at night. Children are taught to wash their hands before having meal and eat healthy food. Because hygiene and a balanced diet are necessary for sustaining good health. Therefore, parents establish these norms to keep their children healthy. Moreover, children are taught to obey and respect elders, not to lie or engage in fights. Rules for conduct are established; to encourage appropriate behavior and discourage inappropriate behavior, within a society or, group.
Social organizations have been established to fulfill certain needs of society. Each social group or, society has its own code of conduct. Which regulates behavior of individuals in social organizations. Norms control and direct Individuals behavior to attain societal objective. Furthermore, Individuals hold different statuses within social organizations. Statuses have been associated with varied responsibilities. Norms specify, responsibilities of group members, in accordance with their statuses. Which guide individuals; how to act and interact within a given social institution. For instance, the prime objective of military is to protect their country, from foreign aggression. Army has strict norm for subordination; soldiers have to obey every command of their superior officers. If soldiers do not follow orders of their superiors, in time of war; country would most certainly fall in to the hands of foreign aggressors. Besides, Institution of army will fail to achieve its objective. For that reason, norms are essential for survival of social organizations. Social systems and organizations could not function smoothly without norms.
Sociologists have categorized norms in to two types; “Formal norms” and “Informal norms”.
Formal Norms
Formal norms refer to, written rules of conduct maintained by a society. These are written rules for those behaviors; which are collectively valued within a society. They serve most of the people in a group or, society. State laws are formal norms; which are established in accordance to the social beliefs and values. Beliefs and values are intertwined with one another. In a country where shared religion is most valued, state laws will reflect religious teachings. Some Muslim countries have strict norms to respect sacred things and beliefs. If someone violates those norms he/she could be severely punished by state regulatory authorities.
For instance, blasphemy is punishable by death in Pakistan. In 2010, Asia BiBi a Pakistani Christian woman was accused of blasphemy. Lahore high Court passed ruling, to hang Asia BiBi till death. Governor of Punjab “Salman Taseer” and minister of minorities “Shahbaz Batti”; who opposed the judgment were killed, by fundamentalists. However, she was released after 9 years by Pakistan Supreme Court in, October 2018, due to lack of evidence. But, riots broke out in every part of the country against Supreme Court verdict. People demanded, that Supreme Court should take its verdict back and hang Asia BiBi. Those individuals who violate formal norms in a given society, face negative repercussions.
On the other hand, capitalist countries value trade and commerce. In America wealth is collectively cherished value. Therefore, America has written norms to protect businesses and valuable assets of people. Moreover, human life is considered valuable universally. Each country has established strict laws, to protect citizen lives. Murderers are punished severely in every country. Furthermore, each social institution has written laws or, rules; whether, it is recreational or, educational. Sports, schools, colleges, universities, companies and political organizations have its own established written rules of conduct. Written rules of conduct of a given institution, regulate and direct individuals’ behavior to fulfill its mission.
Informal Norms
Informal norms are conformed casual behaviors; they are understood but, not recorded. People learn informal norms via, socialization. When an individual interact within a society; he learns how to behave in different situations. Informal norms are learned through, observation and imitation. Whereas, some informal norms are taught directly to children by parents or, family members like, greeting guests — respecting elders — avoiding abusive language. For example, we don’t sit at a table with strangers in restaurant, as well as, we do not barge in the line to order our food. We know that sitting at a table with strangers is not a normative behavior as well as, barging in the line. We wait until table is available and we stand behind the last person in line, to order our food. Moreover, punishments or, rewards are not specified for conforming or, violating informal norms. For instance, if a student wears clown costume in college, people might stare or laugh at him but he will not be punished for violating informal norms.
Sociologists have further classified norms based on their comparative importance in society. The two further categorized norms are known as “Mores” and “Folkways”.
Mores
Mores are considered essential and imperative for the welfare of society. Principles and behaviors which are most cherished by people is known as mores. Mores are protected by formal norms and sanctions. Violations of mores can lead to serious consequences. Some societies deem religion more important than trade and commerce. In such societies religion is protected by state laws. Blasphemous behavior can lead to severe punishment. However, in countries where trade and commerce is considered important. People businesses, valuable assets and properties are protected by state laws. Vandalizing property and hindering commercial activities could have serious consequences. Some principles and moralities are universally cherished. Murder, theft and child abuse are deemed immoral behavior in every society. Therefore, mentioned immoral behavior are punishable by state laws. Those individuals who violate mores could be also punished via, informal sanctions. Group members could shun and banish perpetrators from social group.
Folkways
Folkways regulate everyday behavior of individuals. Folkways are morally approved day to day behavior of individuals in a given culture. Each culture has its own folkways which indicate; how to greet friends, guests and family members, what to wear on different occasions, and how to behave with elders, children, teachers and friends. When Greeks meet their friends they hug and kiss one another. Whereas, American just shake hand and maintain their distance. Moreover, in Pakistan men wear “Kurta Shalwar” on Eid ul aza and Eid ul fitar. Whereas, Arab men wear “Thobe” on Eid days. Because traditions vary from society to society. In western countries women can smile and say hello to their stranger counterparts. But in Middle Eastern countries it is not morally approved behavior. Folkways are not formalized like mores, they are not protected by state laws. Therefore, Violating folkways are not punishable by state laws.
Written by; Khushdil Khan Kasi