Each society is governed by its own social norms that influence clothing, behavior, beliefs, habits, etc.
A social norm is any guideline or provision that is established and accepted at the community level to guide, direct or mark the behavior of each member of the citizenry.
These rules are based on respect and education . They invite you to adapt to a social context by complying with certain traditions, customs and demonstrating certain cultural values , codes and good manners . They constitute a model to follow within a group to achieve an optimal level of socialization and know how to identify both the power relations and the social roles that exist in a population.
The idea is to always try to know the social norms of each town and adapt to them voluntarily, whether due to cultural mandate or good taste, knowing that ignoring them or not complying with them is not considered a crime nor is it formally sanctioned, but it can be a reason for rejection. marginalization, offenses and social discomforts.
Applications of a social norm
The applications of a social norm range from everyday gestures of solidarity, empathy and respect to a very specific way of acting, behaving and dressing in situations governed by etiquette and protocol .
A custom or tradition is also accompanied by social norms. In Argentina , to describe a reality that helps to understand how and what a social convention is, many people drink mate and almost by default share it in a community, although those who invite it and the individuals who accept it do not know each other. This social norm , in times of pandemic , was inadvisable to prevent COVID-19 infections by using the same light bulb: since then, more than one chooses to use their own mate equipment but has not abandoned the ritual or the codes that surround this infusion. There is a kind of art and a language that is linked to this drink that must be prepared using a precise technique and offered as a gesture of cordiality and camaraderie.
A social convention , an informal and implicit agreement, functions as a rule of conduct in order to regulate human behavior in particular circumstances.
Also a rule of courtesy is an expected behavior within a society whose members know that, upon arriving at a place (regardless of whether or not they know those present), saying hello is a sign of good manners and kindness. Punctuality, that is, arriving on time and not making anyone wait, is a rule of respect that demonstrates care and consideration for others.
Gestures and language (verbal and non-verbal) are not outside social norms aimed at communication.
Language and communication
In language and communication there is also the influence and criteria of social conventions . In this framework, the linguistic norms that mark what is desirable or expected in the use of a language become relevant.
Do not interrupt whoever is speaking, listen, practice verbal courtesy , behave politely both from non-verbal communication (knowing which gestures and expressions are necessary and appropriate and which should be omitted) and from verbal communication (with appropriate language displayed). in time and form) are social signs that reflect correctness, civility and attention.
To attend an event or respect religious precepts, you must adapt to a dress code and respect it.
Social norm and culture
There is a close link between a social norm and the culture of each people. Beliefs, values, traditions and lifestyles of a society influence the thinking, behavior and actions of its members. Thus, cultural norms influence the emergence of stereotypes that end up feeding prejudices that often lead to acts of discrimination .
Art , literature , music and cinema , for example, can be mirrors of what a community is like and how it thinks. At the same time, they, the media and social networks can be means of pressure and enormous influence for better or worse, depending on the content disclosed and how it is received.
Social norms also have power over fashion, trends and the personal style that each subject adopts. Dress codes or standards symbolize beliefs, cultures, political affiliations, etc. Depending on the clothing chosen, for example, it is possible to demonstrate at a glance what religion one professes or what political party one supports, accentuate gender identity and social status , give indications of marital status or job occupation, etc.
For the world to live better and better, daily efforts, both individual and collective, would have to be focused on social integration and sowing positive values of care , respect , tolerance and freedom . From politics , meanwhile, it is essential to work with responsibility, commitment and efficiency to fight social inequality that puts social well-being in check on an international scale. There is much to do in terms of inclusion , human rights , access to resources , health , work , justice and housing , among other issues.
The combination of deep-rooted social constructions or norms that trigger violent episodes of xenophobia , homophobia and racism , the absence of solutions on the part of a Government in the face of a social claim and personal needs born from the conviction and the will to transform reality makes activism is established as a vital and indispensable engine to evolve, update views, obtain favorable responses and embrace just causes.