What is normal? Exploring folkways, mores, and taboos | Behavior | MCAT | Khan Academy

Summary

This script explores the concept of social norms, defining them as standards of acceptable behavior within groups, heavily influenced by context and culture. It distinguishes between four types of norms: folkways, mores, taboos, and laws, each with varying degrees of importance and consequences for deviation. Examples illustrate how norms can evolve, like the inclusion of women in baseball, and how they differ across cultures, emphasizing the dynamic nature of social expectations.

Takeaways

• 🧐 Norms are standards for acceptable behavior defined by groups and can vary based on context, location, and time.
• 🔍 Psychologists and sociologists often study norms to understand what is considered 'normal' behavior in society.
• 🌐 Norms are unwritten rules influenced by moral standards or ethical values, internalized by individuals within a group.
• 📏 Norms provide structure within social groups and set expectations for behavior in specific situations.
• 🏞 Context heavily influences what is considered normal behavior, as illustrated by the difference in reactions to yelling at a baseball game versus in a work meeting.
• 🌍 Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping norms, such as the varying ways people greet each other in America and Europe.
• 🕰 Norms can evolve over time due to shifts in attitudes or changes in circumstances, as seen with the inclusion of women in professional baseball during World War II.
• 📚 Norms can be classified into four groups: folkways, mores, taboos, and laws, each with varying degrees of importance and consequences for deviation.
• 🤗 Folkways are everyday social customs with mild consequences for non-adherence, like saying 'thank you' or holding a door open.
• 🤔 Mores are norms based on moral values with stronger emotional reactions when violated, such as the expectation of truthfulness.
• ⚖️ Laws are formal norms with consistent legal consequences for violations, differing in severity from minor infractions to serious crimes.
• 🚫 Taboos are strict prohibitions with severe consequences and strong societal disapproval, such as incest or cannibalism.

Q & A

What do psychologists and sociologists study?

Psychologists and sociologists study human behavior, including what is considered normal behavior and how it is defined.

What are norms and what role do they play in society?

Norms are standards for acceptable behavior within a group, providing structure and setting specific standards for conduct. They are heavily dependent on context and can change over time.

How do norms vary based on context?

Norms can vary significantly based on the physical location and situation. For example, yelling at a baseball game is acceptable, but not during a work meeting.

How do cultural differences influence norms?

Cultural differences greatly influence norms. For instance, American greetings may involve a handshake, while in European countries, a kiss on the cheek is customary.

Can norms change over time and why?

Yes, norms can change over time due to shifts in attitudes or circumstances. The example of women playing baseball during World War II illustrates this change.

What are the four distinct groups of norms?

The four distinct groups of norms are folkways, mores, taboos, and laws, which dictate the importance of the norm and the consequences of deviating from it.

What are folkways and how are they different from other norms?

Folkways are mild norms, often traditions or everyday courtesies like saying 'thank you'. The consequences of not following folkways are usually not severe.

What is the difference between mores and folkways?

Mores are norms based on moral values or beliefs and usually elicit strong feelings when violated, unlike folkways, which are more about everyday courtesies.

What are laws and how do they relate to norms?

Laws are norms with formal and consistent consequences for violations. They are based on the understanding of right and wrong and are enforced by legal systems.

What are taboos and how do they differ from other norms?

Taboos are behaviors that are completely forbidden under any circumstance, with consequences far more extreme than mores. Violations of taboos are considered very immoral.

Can you provide an example of how norms can change in a specific situation?

An example is the acceptance of women playing baseball, which was not normal initially but became acceptable during World War II due to the absence of men and the need for entertainment.