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The life cycle of norms: How do societies take certain behaviors for granted?
A social norm is a shared standard of accepted behavior among group members, which may be informally understood or codified into rules and laws. Whether formal or informal, these norms exert a strong influence on changes in human behavior. Many scholars have explored the definition of social norms, and how various behaviors become taken for granted in different cultural and social contexts has become a focus of research.
The formation of social norms depends on context, social groups and historical background, and is continuously discussed and elaborated in different academic fields.
The existence of social norms can be manifested in the pattern of behavior within the group and in the process of the group's elaboration of the norms. The formation of norms usually goes through three stages: emergence of norms, diffusion of norms and internalization of norms. Each stage represents the development of a social consensus that eventually leads to certain behaviors becoming widely accepted and taken-for-granted patterns of behavior.
Standardization stage
The emergence stage of norms is usually driven by so-called "norm entrepreneurs" who try to convince others of the necessity and appropriateness of certain behaviors. The last step is the diffusion of norms. When a norm reaches widespread acceptance, the pressure within the norm forces more people to join the ranks of following this norm. Eventually, the norm will enter the internalization stage, making the behavior of following the norm almost automatic.
Social norms not only have the function of restricting behavior, but can also shape the interests of group members. This shaping effect is ubiquitous in social life.
Types and characteristics of specifications
According to different social situations, scholars divide norms into three main types: normative norms (restraining behavior), establishing norms (shaping interests) and prescriptive norms (prescribing behaviors that should be taken). The deferred effect of these norms will also affect the decision-making of actors, forming a series of social behavior patterns.
In some societies, remembered norms are often self-sustaining, while in others they may be challenged by social movements.
Transmission of specifications
Many specifications emerge organically in the absence of explicit design. According to economist Peyton Young, social norms usually evolve not through top-down design, but through interactions within groups. Even seemingly random behaviors can evolve over time into widely accepted standards of behavior within the group.
Groups often base their judgments on appropriate behavior on the basis of a shared history, meaning that even in the absence of clear guidelines for behavior, people will act based on early successes.
Deviation and social control
Behavior that deviates from social norms is called deviance. Such behavior often results in individuals being labeled as "deviants" and may be ostracized from society. Social control mechanisms exist precisely to ensure that members follow established norms. Even though these norms are not laws, they form an effective system of social behavioral norms.
Individuals who violate social norms often feel a sense of guilt. This emotion is not only condemnation of their own behavior, but also dissatisfaction with the expectations of others.
In short, social norms not only affect individual behavioral choices, but also deeply shape the operating model of the entire society. When certain behaviors are gradually internalized and become taken-for-granted norms through long-term social practice, what we need to think about is: What values and beliefs of society do these norms reflect?
