Norms and Values

Dr. Amita Sharma

Assistant Professor
AIL ,Mohali
 Norms and Values
• Norms refers to behavior and attitudes which are considered normal ,while
values are considered very important.
• Norms are specific guidelines ,while values are general guidelines . Out of
values number of norms can be drawn.
• Many times norms and values are used interchangeably.
• Social scientists use them in a specific sense . Social norms are
standards ,rules , guides and expectations for actual behavior, whereas values
are abstract conceptions of what is important and worthwhile.
 Norms
• Norms are most commonly defined as rules or expectations that are socially
enforced.
• Personal norms are purely individual. Sociologists are more interested in
social norms.
• From a sociological perspective , social norms are formal and informal
understandings that govern the behavior of members of a society.
• Norms can arise formally ,where groups explicitly outline and implement
behavioral expectations.
 Definitions of Norms
• According to Young and Mack, ‘norms’ refer to “group shared
expectations”.
• According to Robert Bierstedt, ‘norms’ can be treated as “a cultural
specifications that guides our conduct in society”.
• It is clear from the above definitions that norms can be understood as rules
and regulations that groups live by.
• Norms are the means through which values are expressed in behavior.
 Characteristics of Norms
• Norms are standards of group behavior . It is a standard to which we are
expected to conform whether we actually do so or not. It is a way of
doing things ,the way that is set for us by our society. It is the norms that
give order , stability and predictability to social life .
• Norms are a fundamental concept in the social sciences.
• Some social norms are universal.
• Norms are related to the factual order.
 Characteristics of Norms
• Norms incorporate value judgement.
• Norms are relative to situations and groups.
• They represent “Standardized Generalizations. ”
• Norms denote ideal behavior .
• Moral values are attached to them.
• Norms are not always obeyed by all.
 Characteristics of Norms
• Social norms control human behavior .
• Most of the human beings confirm to norms.
• Norms change from society to society.
• Norms are associated with sense of duty.
• Norms are influenced by culture of the society.
 Characteristics of Norms
• Norms change gradually.
• Norms are related to different aspects of life.
• Social norms are based on those social behaviors that governs and forms
the foundation of the society.
• Most of the norms are conservative.
 Types of Norms
• Social norm have two parts-goals and means.
• Individuals are supposed to attain the goals through legitimate means
prescribed by the society.
• Norms are both prescriptive and proscriptive.
• Prescriptive-Do’s
• Proscriptive-Don’ts
• Rewards and Punishments are associated with norms.
 Types of Norms
• Folkways
• Mores
• Taboos
• Laws
 Importance of Norms
• Social stability is ensured .
• Norms help social control .
• Society becomes cohesive .
• Norms assist survival.
• Goals of collective living can be achieved easily .
• Norms guide human actions and behavior.
• Norms influence the individual’s attitudes.
• Human needs are fulfilled.
 Conformity of Norms
• Conformity to norms is encouraged.
• Punishments and rewards ensures conformity.
• According to Robert Bierstedt, following factors also encourage conformity :
• Indoctrination-We are indoctrinated to do certain things from our very
childhood.
• Habituation-We become habituated to do certain things.
• Utility-We appreciate utility of norms and hence we conform to them.
• Group identification-We gain sense of security by gaining group identification.
 Conformity to Norms
• Variations in the degree of Conformity.
• Individual differences influence the level of conformity.
• Inspirations are different so people react accordingly.
• Attitude and pressure of the society towards certain norms influences level
of conformity.
 Violations of Norms
• Simple violations of norms.
• Conflicting norms are sometimes violated .
• Systematic Violations especially on few occasions .
 Institutionalization of Norms
• The concept of “institutionalizations” actually refers to the process of
internalizations of norms in a systematic ways .When norms are
sanctioned by the group and internalized by a large number of members.
• Institutionalized norms apply to members of the social system according
to their social positions within the system.
• Norms are internalized and violated in different degrees depending upon
the nature of the society.
 Values
• According to H.M. Johnson , “Values are general standards and may be
regarded as higher order norms”.
• According to Michael Haralambos, “A value is a belief that something is
good and worthwhile. It defines what is worth having and worth striving for”.
• In simple words ,values may be defined as measure of goodness and
desirability.
• Values are personal preferences.
 values
• Values indicate what people in a given culture prefer as well as what they
find important and morally right.
• Specific values-Giving respect to elders.
• General values-Health , love , democracy.
• Values are higher ordered norms.
• Values are more personal.
 Aspects of Values
• 1)General and Specific values
• 2)Values are Hierarchically arranged-
• ‘Means values’ are instrumental values –efforts to achieve other values.
• ‘Ends values’ are end result of the efforts.
• ‘Dominant values’ –are those which are followed by majority.
• ‘Ultimate values’-are those values of the group that give meaning ,
substance and direction to the lives of the people.
 Aspects of Values
• 3)Explicit and Implicit values-Explicit values are clearly held and stated .
They are deliberately taught to the children. They are promoted through
mass media.
• Some values are implicitly held by the people . Conscious efforts are not
required to teach such values by special agencies.
• 4) Values may be in conflict with one another.
 Examples of Norms And Values

Norms Values
• Don’t steal • Efficiency
• Speak truth • Equality
• Say sorry or thanks if required • Loyalty
• Heterosexuality was a norm of the society • Nationalism
• Joint family was a norm in India • Bravery
• Arranged marriage was a norm • Calmness
• Living with Parents etc • Honesty
 Conclusion
Norms
• Norms are more Public. Norms
are imposed from outside.
• Norms are written or unwritten
rules.
• Norms are something which is
considered normal.
Values
• Values are defined by ones personal
preferences . Values are more Personal.
• Values are “what is important and
worthwhile”.
• Values are important and lasting beliefs
and ideals shared by the members of a
culture. They are considered always good.