Conduct Guidelines Defined: Understanding Norms

Guidelines that direct behavior in a specific situation are known as norms.

Key Concepts

• Norms: These are the shared expectations and rules that guide the behavior of members within a society or group. They dictate what actions are considered appropriate or inappropriate in particular contexts. For instance, waiting in line is a norm in many cultures.
• Values: These are broader ideas about what is considered good, right, and desirable within a society. Values are more abstract than norms (e.g., freedom, equality). Norms often stem from values.
• Folkways: These are customary norms that are generally followed but are not strictly enforced. Violating folkways might lead to mild social disapproval but typically not severe consequences (e.g., wearing casual clothes to a casual event).
• Mores: These are norms considered essential to the core values of a society and are often strictly enforced. Violating mores usually results in significant social disapproval or even legal sanctions, as they relate to fundamental morality (e.g., laws against theft or murder).

Therefore, the term that broadly encompasses guidelines directing conduct in a particular situation is norms.