As you will read, norms are patterns or guidelines for behavior that make life routine and predictable. Most of the time, norms go unnoticed by many people, but like most of the issues we talk about, they are socially constructed and largely obeyed. This breeching assignment was designed for you to experiment with norms by challenging them.
Step 1: Think about an informal, folkway social norm that you can break…
Without causing any harm to yourself or surrounding people
Without making surrounding people feel too uncomfortable
Without invading anyone’s personal space
Without doing anything vulgar, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the situation
Can be done in a place that HAS witnesses
Preauthorization needed if your chosen social norm does not appear on the list below
Step 2: Break the norm & observe the reactions (sanctions) of the people around you as well as your own reactions to breaking the norm. At minimum, 7 observations should be noted. For example, if you chose to walk backwards on the escalator, it would be done 7 times to capture the reactions of those around.
Optional: Inform the witnesses about the nature of your assignment, afterward (if this makes you feel more comfortable).
Step 3: Write a 1-2 page analysis of your findings (Typed, double-spaced, 1” margins, 12 pt font). In your paper, address the following:
What typically occurs in this setting if social norms are followed? How did you come to know about this norm and where was it learned?
How did the event of breaking the norm unfold?
What were the reactions of those around you, including any attempts to “correct” your behavior?
Did the reactions of others influence your behavior in any way? Was it easy or difficult for you to break the norm?
What conclusions can be drawn about the significance of this norm in society?
How can sociological terms and concepts, such as socialization, conformity, and social control, be applied to this scenario?
Include a bibliography for the sources that you use (namely, our textbook) and be sure to put quotation marks around any direct quotes that are not yours. Cite both paraphrased and quoted material. How-to guides and examples of citations can be found easily on the internet. APA or ASA bibliographical format is acceptable.
Norm Breaking Examples:
Facing the back of the elevator
Eating at a restaurant and ordering your meal “backwards”, i.e. dessert, entree, appetizer, drink
Sitting beside someone you don’t know, e.g. at the movies, in the library, at Starbucks,etc…
Wearing pajamas to a formal setting, e.g. fancy restaurant, church, etc…
Speaking too softly or loudly for the situation
Seating yourself at a restaurant
Eating at a restaurant without utensils, e.g. spaghetti
Trying to bargain for an item that has a flat fee
Shaking hands with someone when the situation doesn’t warrant it, or NOT shaking someone’s hand when you’re supposed to
Sitting on the floor instead of a chair, or sitting on a table instead of at the table
Not giving the appropriate greetings or goodbyes
Wearing clothes that do not fit the season
Singing out loud in a public area
Having a phone conversation on speaker phone in a public place
Not waiting your turn in line
Not making eye contact
Raising your hand to speak while with your family or friends