Social Norms Report
Annemarie Jewell
Melissa Smith
Introduction to Sociology
9 February 2011
Social Norms in today’s Society
“Thou shall not commit adultery.”, “Thou shall honor thy mother and thy father.” These are words that some are taught at a very young age in church or even at home. We are brought up knowing that these are not things that are acceptable in society and that there is a punishment of some sort, rather that be a religious punishment or a punishment that is held against you in the court of law. The knowledge of a law that is written and even not written in legal form are known as norms. Norms are the established behavior maintained by society (Schaefer). There are four different types of norms that our society uses today. Formal Norms are written down and have strict punishment if not followed. Informal Norms, may not be written down however are understood. Mores are the norms that are needed for the welfare of society. Folkways are norms governing everyday behavior (Schaefer).
Let’s look at Adultery from a Biblical aspect, along with the Military aspect. In the bible there are many versus that state that adultery is unforgiveable and punishable by death. For example: “and the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adultery and the adulteress shall surely be put to death (Bible). However if you look at the social norms where does there really play in? Yes it is written with the punishment, but some of our society has different views on religion and the outcome of their fate. I am a strong believer when it comes to the bible and its words. Growing up I was taught that if you went against the 10 commandments that you were not able to enter the gates of heaven, you would parish in hell along with all that did not follow the word of the Lord. So when it comes to a biblical aspect it is all in how you believe, for someone that is religious this would count as both formal and
Melissa Smith
Introduction to Sociology
9 February 2011
Social Norms in today’s Society
“Thou shall not commit adultery.”, “Thou shall honor thy mother and thy father.” These are words that some are taught at a very young age in church or even at home. We are brought up knowing that these are not things that are acceptable in society and that there is a punishment of some sort, rather that be a religious punishment or a punishment that is held against you in the court of law. The knowledge of a law that is written and even not written in legal form are known as norms. Norms are the established behavior maintained by society (Schaefer). There are four different types of norms that our society uses today. Formal Norms are written down and have strict punishment if not followed. Informal Norms, may not be written down however are understood. Mores are the norms that are needed for the welfare of society. Folkways are norms governing everyday behavior (Schaefer).
Let’s look at Adultery from a Biblical aspect, along with the Military aspect. In the bible there are many versus that state that adultery is unforgiveable and punishable by death. For example: “and the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adultery and the adulteress shall surely be put to death (Bible). However if you look at the social norms where does there really play in? Yes it is written with the punishment, but some of our society has different views on religion and the outcome of their fate. I am a strong believer when it comes to the bible and its words. Growing up I was taught that if you went against the 10 commandments that you were not able to enter the gates of heaven, you would parish in hell along with all that did not follow the word of the Lord. So when it comes to a biblical aspect it is all in how you believe, for someone that is religious this would count as both formal and
Cited: Bible. Leviticus 20:10. n.d. Powers, Rod. About.Com US Military. <http://usmilitary.about.com/od/justicelawlegislation/a/adultery.htm>. Schaefer, Richard T. Sociology Matters. Mc Graw Hill, n.d.