• Psychology -> Social and Personality Psychology

• 0 Comment

What are the different types of social norms that exist, and how do they influence behavior?

Cailyn Worsell

Social norms are a set of rules and expectations that govern social behavior, and they play a significant role in shaping our actions and interactions with others in our daily lives. There exist various types of social norms that impact our behavior in different ways.

The first type of social norm is descriptive norms. These norms are based on what people commonly do, and they are often used to guide our behavior in social situations. For instance, if we go to a party, we may follow the crowd in terms of how much we drink or how late we stay. Descriptive norms can be positive or negative, and they are usually influenced by our social environment.

In contrast to descriptive norms, prescriptive norms are based on what people should do. They are more focused on what is considered acceptable behavior in a given situation. Prescriptive norms tend to be more explicit and are often backed by formal rules or laws. For example, it is a prescriptive norm to not break the law or to follow traffic rules while driving.

Moral norms are also a type of social norm that is closely tied to our values and beliefs. They are based on what is considered right and wrong, and they can vary across cultures and communities. For instance, in some cultures, it may be a moral norm to take care of your elderly parents, while in others, it may not be as much of a priority. Moral norms tend to be internalized, and they may shape our behavior even when there is no external pressure to follow them.

Social norms also encompass injunctive norms, which denote what type of behavior is socially approved of and what is disapproved of. These norms can be seen as a guide for appropriate behavior. Injurictive norms can be applied to a range of behaviors including courteousness, activism, professionalism and communication.

Lastly, personal norms are norms that are shaped by our own beliefs and attitudes. These norms can be altruistic or self-centered. For instance, some people may feel a personal obligation to recycle or to exercise regularly because they believe it is good for their health or for the environment.


Social norms can influence our behavior by creating expectations and indicating the right and wrong model of conduct. They act as a guide and contribute to order and harmony in society. For instance, social norms involving respect for elders help create a sense of filial piety and responsibility in many societies. Examining how social norms shape behavior can give insight into why people may behave in certain ways and what motivates their actions.

In conclusion, social norms are instrumental in shaping our behavior, and they come in many different forms. By influencing what we do and how we do it, social norms help maintain order and structure in society. Understanding these norms is important for individuals to appropriately regulate their behavior and understand the significance of social behavior.