Why do people follow social norms?

Short Answer

People follow social norms to gain social acceptance, avoid rejection, maintain order, and simplify decision-making in social situations.

Detailed Explanation

Background

Social norms are unwritten rules that govern behavior in groups and societies, from how we greet each other to how we dress, speak, and interact. Following social norms is so common that we often do it automatically, without conscious thought. Understanding why people follow norms helps us understand social behavior, recognize when norms might be harmful, and make conscious choices about which norms to follow. Understanding Why do people conform? reveals how norm-following is a form of conformity, driven by social pressure and the desire to fit in.

Social norms serve important functions—they create order, facilitate cooperation, and make social interactions predictable. However, they can also limit individual expression, perpetuate harmful practices, and create pressure to conform even when norms are problematic. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind norm-following, we can navigate social expectations more consciously and work toward norms that promote well-being and justice.

Scientific Explanation

People follow social norms for several psychological reasons:

1. Social acceptance: Following norms helps people gain acceptance and approval from others. Norm violations can lead to rejection, criticism, or social exclusion.

2. Avoidance of rejection: The fear of being rejected or ostracized for violating norms motivates compliance. People follow norms to avoid negative social consequences.

3. Order and predictability: Norms create order and make social interactions predictable. Following norms helps people know what to expect and how to behave in social situations.

4. Decision-making simplification: Norms provide ready-made guidelines for behavior, reducing the cognitive effort needed to decide how to act in various situations.

5. Identity and belonging: Following group norms reinforces group identity and belonging. It signals that you're part of the group and share its values.

6. Social learning: People learn norms through observation and social learning. They see others following norms and learn to do the same, often without conscious awareness.

7. Internalization: Over time, norms can become internalized, meaning people follow them because they believe in them, not just to avoid social consequences.

Understanding Why do people conform in groups? reveals how group pressure amplifies norm-following, making it harder to deviate from group expectations.

Real Examples

• People follow dress codes at work or school, wearing appropriate clothing to fit in and avoid standing out or facing consequences for violations.

• Someone follows conversational norms like taking turns speaking, maintaining appropriate distance, and using polite language, making interactions smoother and more predictable.

• A person follows cultural norms around greetings, holidays, or social customs, participating in expected behaviors to show belonging and respect.

• Someone follows group norms around behavior, values, or interests, adapting their behavior to fit group expectations and maintain membership.

• People follow social media norms around posting, commenting, and sharing, participating in expected behaviors to gain acceptance and avoid exclusion.

Practical Application

How to Apply

To navigate social norms more consciously:

1. Recognize norms: Pay attention to the unwritten rules that govern behavior in different contexts. Awareness is the first step toward making conscious choices about norm-following.

2. Evaluate norms critically: Consider whether norms serve positive functions or perpetuate harm. Not all norms are beneficial, and some may be worth challenging or changing.

3. Choose consciously: Decide which norms to follow based on your values and goals rather than automatically conforming. You can follow some norms while challenging others.

4. Understand consequences: Recognize that violating norms can have social consequences. Make informed choices about when norm violations are worth potential costs.

5. Respect others' choices: Understand that people follow norms for various reasons, and respect others' choices even when they differ from yours.

6. Work toward positive change: When norms are harmful, work toward changing them through advocacy, modeling alternative behaviors, or supporting others who challenge harmful norms.

Learning How to resist peer pressure? provides strategies for maintaining your values and choices when norms create pressure to conform.

How to Understand Others

When people follow social norms:

• They're responding to social pressure, the desire for acceptance, and the need for order and predictability. Norm-following is natural human behavior, not necessarily weakness or lack of individuality.

• Consider that people may follow norms without conscious awareness. Many norms are so ingrained that people follow them automatically.

• Recognize that norm-following can serve positive functions like creating order and facilitating cooperation. Not all norm-following is problematic.

• Understand that challenging norms can be difficult and costly. People may follow norms they don't fully agree with to avoid social consequences.

• When someone follows norms you disagree with, try to understand their perspective and the social pressures they face rather than simply judging their conformity.

Related Concepts

• Why do people conform?
• Why do people conform in groups?
• How to resist peer pressure?
• Why do people obey authority?
• What are the functions of social norms?