Concept of Social Norms

• Rules and regulations of society that tell individuals how to behave in specific situations.​
• Norms act as a reference point (standard) for showing behaviour in a social context.​
• Useful when usual daily routines are not applicable —they fill the behavioural gap.​
• Norms regulate behaviour—they are unwritten but accepted by the group.​
• Example: Saying "Pranam" with folded hands or touching the feet of elders to show respect.​
• Norms vary across cultures — different cultures respond differently to the same situation.​

A norm means a standard which serves as a reference point for showing any response in a social context.

Social norm refers to rules and regulations of the society indicating how individuals should behave and respond in specific situations in the society.

Descriptive Norms

• Describe what most people actually do in a situation.​
• Indicate what is appropriate and accepted behaviour.​
• Enforced through informal social pressure.​
• Example: People generally do not urinate in public places.​

Injunctive Norms

• Indicate what should or should not be done in a situation.​
• Based on moral/social obligation with formal or informal sanctions.​
• Proper behaviour is rewarded; improper behaviour is punished.​
• Example: "₹100 fine for urinating here"—prescribed behaviour with a consequence.​

• Norms play a great role in the process of socialisation.
• Help a person conform to standards set by their society and culture.​
• Conformity to group norms is essential for social order.

Four Components of Group Norms — RAFP

• Social norms are constantly changing in today's fast-changing society.​
• Those who adapt are accepted as accommodative individuals.​
• Those who cannot adapt face adjustment problems, communication gaps, and social discord.​
• Changed norms must not clash with existing social values—otherwise it creates conflict in socialisation.​

When Norms Become Harmful

• Modern norms like fast food, club life, late-night sleep, and luxury lifestyles harm physical and mental health.​
• Associated diseases: obesity, cardiac diseases, HIV/AIDS, and sexual dysfunction diseases.
• Such norms should be changed — not from a moral standpoint, but from a health standpoint.​
• Efforts should be made on a priority basis to change these harmful norms.

• Social norms are rules that guide how people should behave in society.
• They act as standards for behaviour in different social situations.
• Two types of norms are descriptive norms and injunctive norms.
• Norms help in socialisation and maintaining social order.
• Social norms change over time, and harmful norms should be improved.