AsiF Niaz
1. What are Norms?
Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations about how people should
behave in particular social situations. These norms dictate acceptable behaviors within a
given society or group and are enforced through social pressure. Norms are learned
through socialization and are typically agreed upon by the majority of the group or
society.
2. Types of Norms
1. Folkways:
o Folkways are the informal, everyday customs and conventions that govern routine
behaviors. These norms are not strictly enforced but help maintain social order.
o Example: In Pakistan, it’s considered polite to greet others with "As-Salaam-
Alaikum" (peace be upon you) rather than just saying "hello." While this isn't a
law, it's an expected behavior in many communities.
2. Mores:
o Mores are norms that carry a greater moral significance. Violating mores can
result in severe disapproval or punishment. These norms are often tied to the
ethical or moral beliefs of a society.
o Example: In most societies, it is a violation of social mores to steal or commit
murder because these actions are seen as morally wrong.
3. Taboos:
o Taboos are the strongest form of social norm and involve behaviors that are so
forbidden by a culture that they are often considered unthinkable or repulsive.
o Example: In many cultures, incest is a taboo, and engaging in such behavior is
heavily stigmatized.
4. Laws:
o Laws are formal, written norms that are codified by the state. While they overlap
with social norms, laws are enforced by legal institutions like the police or courts.
o Example: In Pakistan, traffic laws, such as speed limits or the prohibition on
drunk driving, are enforced by authorities to maintain public safety.
AsiF Niaz
1. Social norms
Social norms refer to the informal rules and expectations that govern behavior within a
particular social group or society. Norms refer to the behaviors, practices, and expectations that
are actually followed by people in a society at a particular time. These are the norms that reflect
the real, observed behavior of individuals in a given context.
2. Cultural Norms
Cultural norms are the behaviors, beliefs, and practices that are generally accepted within a
particular culture or society. These norms are broader than social norms, as they reflect the
overarching values, customs, and traditions of an entire cultural group. norms are the behaviors
and practices that a society or group considers to be the perfect or most desirable. These are the
norms that a culture aspires to and sets as a standard, even if they are not always followed in
reality.
Explicit norms are defined as those norms that are codified in formal written documents, these
are formal norms that are clearly articulated, such as laws, rules, or written guidelines (e.g.,
traffic laws).
Implicit Norms: These are unwritten rules that are learned through socialization and observation
of others. They are informal and often subconscious but still carry social weight (e.g., personal
space etiquette, greetings).
Values:
Definition:
Values are deeply held beliefs or principles that guide individuals' decisions, behaviors, and
actions within a society. They represent what is considered important, desirable, or morally right
within a culture or group. Values provide a framework for individuals to evaluate their actions
and the actions of others, shaping ethical standards, social roles, and interactions.
Types of Values
AsiF Niaz
1. Cultural Values:
o Cultural values are shared beliefs about what is important and desirable within a
particular culture or society. These values shape social norms, traditions, and
behaviors in that society.
o Example: Respect for Elders ,Family Honor ,Hospitality ,Religious Faith
Social Values:
Social values define what is considered acceptable or desirable behavior in social
interactions and relationships. These values can be tied to concepts like equality, fairness,
and justice.
Example: Equality Justice, Freedom, Solidarity, Tolerance, Socio-economic status.
Belief
A belief is a conviction or acceptance that something is true, often without immediate proof.
Beliefs are held by individuals or groups and can be based on personal experiences, cultural
influences, religion, or societal norms.
Examples of Beliefs:
1. Religious Belief: Believing in the existence of a higher power, such as God in
Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism.
2. Cultural Belief: The belief that family is the most important social unit in many cultures,
such as in Pakistani society.
