Essay On Social Norms

We live in a society where one abides by social norms, if not you may be looked at funny or people will even talk about you. So let’s begin, what’s considered a “social norm”? According to Your Dictionary, “Social Norms are said to be the laws of behavior that are acceptable to a group or society. Norms tend to change depending upon the environment, but If broken one could be looked at differently or face consequences. Social Norms are also group-held beliefs about how members should/ should not behave in a given context. Some examples of social norms are: Saying hello when you answer the telephone, respecting others personal space, stopping at a red light and driving when its green, chewing food with your mouth closed, etc. Social norms are important because it sets the stage of how people are expected to act in society. Growing up your parents, teachers, and care- givers are the ones who inforce these unwritten rules in you. Social norms relate to ethnocentrism and cultural relativism because one’s ethnic group, religion, and race all play a part in how one behaves in society. For example if I’m said to be a Christian women, I know that it wouldn’t be okay for me to come to church dressed in a tight mini-skirt with high heels on. That wouldn’t be appropriate for a church setting instead a club, or bar setting.
I conducted an experiment where I went to several public settings and held a conversation with myself using an animated voice. People normally don’t talk to themselves in a public setting, but they might in the private of their own home. I noted the many different reactions I received from people. I conducted my experiment in several public places including; the park, Shop Rite market, and the mall. All my experiments were done in the evening around 4 and 5pm. My girlfriend recorded me while I acted out this social