Social Norms and Values in Sociology

Summary:

Social norms are culturally established rules and standards that guide and regulate human behaviour in specific situations. They are based on social values, which are long-lasting beliefs about what is right, good, important, desirable, and worthwhile to an individual. Norms prescribe how people should behave, while values provide the underlying principles and judgments that shape behaviour.

There are different types of norms, including folkways, mores, taboos, and laws, each with varying degrees of strictness and associated punishments. Norms are universal across societies but can vary from one society or group to another. Individuals internalise norms through socialization and contribute to maintaining social order, regulating behaviour, and promoting self-control and social cohesion.

Conversely, values are abstract concepts that guide individuals’ assessment of what is good and worthwhile. They provide standards of competence and morality and are relatively stable and resistant to change. Values influence behaviour, prioritize actions, and bring legitimacy to societal norms. They also contribute to social unity, as shared values create a sense of belonging and commonality among individuals.

While norms and values are interconnected, they have distinct characteristics and functions. Norms are specific rules, while values are more general and encompassing. Norms serve as means to achieve value-based ends. Values can be a point of reference for multiple norms, and a norm can be associated with several values. In some cases, conflicts may arise between values and norms when changes in material culture clash with non-material cultural aspects.

Excerpt:

Social Norms and Values in Sociology

SOCIAL NORMS AND VALUES
Both the term, norms and values, are often used interchangeably in our day-to-day life. But
sociologists use them in a specific sense.

Social norms are culturally built rules, standards, and guides that distinguish correct and
acceptable human behaviour during a society or a set of people, particularly situations or
circumstances. Therefore the norms are supported by social values. Norms prescribe the way
people should behave in particular situations. In short, norms are a bundle of do’s and clones
and are rules to regulate individual and group behaviour for social order