In essence, the difference between social norms and norms is primarily one of scope and specificity. All social norms are norms, but not all norms are social norms.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Norms: These are general expectations or rules for behavior. They can be formal (like laws) or informal (like customs). Norms apply to a wide range of settings and can be specific to a particular group or situation.
-
Social Norms: These are specifically norms that govern behavior within a society or social group. They are the shared expectations about how people should behave in specific social situations, and they are enforced through social sanctions, which can be either positive (rewards) or negative (punishments). Social norms are essential for maintaining social order and stability by regulating individual behavior to align with the collective expectations. Through regulation of behavior, social norms create unique patterns that allow for distinguishing characteristics to be made between social systems.
Breakdown and Examples
| Feature | Norms | Social Norms |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad; includes a wide range of expectations | Specific to social interactions and group behavior |
| Focus | Any expected behavior | Behavior within social contexts and relevant to group cohesion and social order |
| Enforcement | Varies; can be formal or informal | Primarily through social sanctions (approval, disapproval, exclusion) |
| Examples | - Following traffic laws | - Saying "please" and "thank you" |
| - Tipping at a restaurant | - Standing in line | |
| - Wearing appropriate clothing for the weather | - Respecting personal space |
Key Differences Explained
-
Context: The key is the context in which the norm operates. A "norm" might be that you replace the toilet paper roll when it's empty in your own home. A "social norm" is that you offer your seat to an elderly person on the bus, because it's a commonly held expectation within a community.
-
Social Sanction: Social norms are powerfully reinforced by the potential for social repercussions. Breaking a social norm can lead to being judged, ostracized, or even punished by the group. While breaking a general norm might have consequences, they aren't always inherently social.
In summary, social norms are a subset of norms that are particularly important for maintaining social order and are enforced through social mechanisms.
