Breaking Down Informal Cultural Norms and Their Impact on Society

Breaking Down Informal Cultural Norms and Their Impact on Society

Have you ever stopped to think about the behavioral patterns you follow on a daily basis? Do you remember learning them formally, like in the classroom or from a how-to guide? The answer is probably no, because most of our everyday actions are governed by informal cultural norms.

What Are Informal Cultural Norms?

Informal cultural norms are unwritten rules that shape our behavior and interactions in society. They are learned through observation and imitation, rather than explicitly taught. Social psychologists categorize these norms into three types:

– Folkways: These are the least serious norms including etiquette, dress code, and language use.
– Mores: These are more serious norms, including those related to moral behavior, such as honesty, respect, and fairness.
– Taboos: These are the most serious norms, such as incest, cannibalism, and murder, deeply embedded in cultural sensibility.

Many of these cultural norms have existed for generations, passed down through families and communities, and are so ingrained in our lives that we hardly ever question them.

Informal Cultural Norms and Their Impact on Society

Informal cultural norms significantly impact society, as they define and regulate social interactions in countless different contexts. For example, in Western societies, shaking hands is a common way of greeting people. In contrast, in Japan, bowing is a widely accepted way of greeting people. Even the pace of life in different societies, how people walk, talk, eat, and drink, is governed by informal cultural norms.

These norms play a key role in regulating and creating social order, but they can also create challenges. Informal cultural norms can lead to the perpetuation of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination. For example, informal cultural norms can result in gender discrimination, ethnic slurs, and racial profiling.

The Impact of Informal Cultural Norms on Behavior

Informal cultural norms not only regulate behavior but also shape our attitudes. They can create stereotypes and shape our perceptions of groups of people. For example, the perception that women are emotional and men are rational can be attributed to informal cultural norms that have been passed down through generations.

The impact of these norms on our behavior and attitudes cannot be overstated. They influence all aspects of our lives, from the way we dress and behave in public, to our beliefs about different cultures and lifestyles. The influence of informal cultural norms on human behavior demonstrates how culture shapes our lives and influences the direction society takes.

Conclusion

Breaking down informal cultural norms and their impact on society is crucial to understanding how people view the world around them. Though they may seem harmless, the impact of these norms deserves analysis. As we move toward a more diverse and multicultural society, it is essential to be aware of these informal cultural norms, so we can respectfully engage with others from different backgrounds. Understanding the complexity of these norms and their effects on society will continue to be a crucial aspect of social change.

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