Social norms are understood as nothing more than certain patterns and rules of behavior that are entrenched in society. This consolidation occurred as a result of practical activity, during which certain standards appeared, as well as behaviors recognized as standard. Social norms of behavior determine how a person should act in certain situations. To some extent, they also determine how this or that person should be.
Social norms are numerous:
- moral standards. One is good and the other is bad, one is good, and the other is evil. As a rule, sanctions in this case are public censure, as well as remorse;
- standards of etiquette. These are the norms of communication, the rules of negotiating, and so on. They determine how a person should behave in society;
- rules of law. They are enshrined in laws. Their non-compliance leads to state sanctions;
- traditions and customs. They entrenched as a result of prolonged repetitions;
- political norms. As the name implies, they govern political life. These norms are enshrined in international treaties, charters and so on;
- aesthetic standards. They are applied to a work of art, human actions, and so on;
- corporate standards. Regulate relations within any organizations;
- religious norms. Contained in the scriptures.
Social norms and sanctions
It is imperative that every member of society takes social norms seriously and adhere to them implicitly. First of all, this is necessary in order to protect the person himself and the whole society. Punishment for non-compliance with social norms - various sanctions, which can be very, very specific in this case. We are talking about torment of conscience, and sanctions by the state. It all depends on the particular case and on what social norms have been violated.
Social norms and their features
All these norms in one way or another regulate those relations that arise as a result of the implementation of socio-cultural, political and many other tasks that arise for the state, society and, of course, for the individual.
Social norms are regulators that establish a very specific and clear framework for the behavior of all participants in social relations. Of course, these norms contain the same measures and orders. Social norms are distinguished by the fact that they are not addressed to anyone, but at the same time they are addressed to everyone and everyone. No one can violate them with impunity. The regulatory impact in this case is aimed at achieving a certain state of social relations. For this, mechanisms of social coercion may well be used.
The better a society is developed, the better social norms are developed in it. The scope of their action is always social relations. Social norms are created within collectives and are intended for these collectives.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that these norms help make the interaction between people as effective as possible.
Social norms can be characterized by the following:
- they are of a general nature, that is, they cannot be applied only to someone individually;
- they indicate how a person should behave in order to be useful to society;
- non-compliance with social norms must be followed by sanctions.
In conclusion, I want to note that social norms are especially effective not when a person observes them only in order to avoid any sanctions, but when he personally realizes their importance and necessity.