Societal norms really affect how we see deviance. Norms are basically the unspoken rules that guide how we act and shape what we think is "normal." Here are some important points to consider:
What Is Deviance?: What one group thinks is weird or wrong can be completely normal for another group. For example, in some cultures, living together as a big group is normal. In others, people really value doing things on their own. So, if someone from a group-focused culture moves to a place that values individuality, they might be seen as strange for wanting to hang out in groups.
Culture Changes: Norms can change over time and are different for various groups. Take fashion, for example. What’s considered “cool” can change really fast! If someone wears something that doesn’t fit with what’s popular, they might be looked at as odd at first. But later on, their style could become the next trend!
Reactions to Deviance: When someone breaks the rules that society has, people usually react in some way. This can range from whispers and judgment to legal trouble. For little things, like breaking a dress code, you might just get a warning. But for serious criminal acts, the consequences can be very harsh.
Ways Society Keeps Control: Society has different ways to keep everyone in line. These can be informal, like friends pressuring each other, or formal, like laws. These rules help remind us what behavior is okay and what isn’t.
From my own experiences, I know that peer pressure can really shape the choices we make. In school, if you do something that your friends don’t approve of, it can make you feel different or left out. So, understanding these norms can be super helpful. It can guide us in social situations, whether we decide to fit in or challenge what’s expected.
Societal norms really affect how we see deviance. Norms are basically the unspoken rules that guide how we act and shape what we think is "normal." Here are some important points to consider:
What Is Deviance?: What one group thinks is weird or wrong can be completely normal for another group. For example, in some cultures, living together as a big group is normal. In others, people really value doing things on their own. So, if someone from a group-focused culture moves to a place that values individuality, they might be seen as strange for wanting to hang out in groups.
Culture Changes: Norms can change over time and are different for various groups. Take fashion, for example. What’s considered “cool” can change really fast! If someone wears something that doesn’t fit with what’s popular, they might be looked at as odd at first. But later on, their style could become the next trend!
Reactions to Deviance: When someone breaks the rules that society has, people usually react in some way. This can range from whispers and judgment to legal trouble. For little things, like breaking a dress code, you might just get a warning. But for serious criminal acts, the consequences can be very harsh.
Ways Society Keeps Control: Society has different ways to keep everyone in line. These can be informal, like friends pressuring each other, or formal, like laws. These rules help remind us what behavior is okay and what isn’t.
From my own experiences, I know that peer pressure can really shape the choices we make. In school, if you do something that your friends don’t approve of, it can make you feel different or left out. So, understanding these norms can be super helpful. It can guide us in social situations, whether we decide to fit in or challenge what’s expected.