1. Chapter 3 Section 3
Norms and Values

2. Norms: The Rules We Live By
Norms- are rules defining appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
Norms are learned and society uses them to guide behavior.
Norms are so ingrained that our behavior is affected with out our awareness.

3. 3 Basic Norms: Folkways, Mores and Laws.
Folkways: Norms that lack moral significance.
Ex. Certain ways of dress, removing your hat when you eat.
Not considered vital to group welfare.
Not too big of deal if broken.
Mores: Norms that have moral dimensions and that should be followed by members of the society.
Norms with great moral significance.
Vital to well-being of a society.

4. Mores continued… Difference between Folkways and Mores?
Folkways: personal choice. (supporting sports)
Mores: social requirement. (able bodied men work)
Taboo- A rule of behavior, the violation of which calls for strong punishment.
Ex. Hindu’s- killing of cows.
Incest taboos-sexual contact with relatives.

5. Laws Laws: a norm that is formally defined and enforced by officials.
Consciously created and enforced.
Mores are important sources for laws.
Can folkways become laws?
Yes
Example: smoking

6. Enforcing the Rules
Sanctions- are rewards and punishments used to encourage people to follow norms.
Two Different types:
Formal & Informal
Formal Sanctions- sanctions imposed by persons given special authority.
ex. Medals for Soldiers, Grading by Teachers.

7. Sanctions continued…
Informal Sanctions- Rewards or punishments that can be applied by most members of a group.
Can be positive or negative.
Used for a reason, not random.
Ex. Positive- Helping someone
Negative- Shushing someone in a theatre

8. Values- The Basis for Norms
What are Values?
Values: are broad ideas about what is good or desirable shared by people in a society.
Very general, do not dictate precise ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving.
Different societies or groups in a societies can have different norms based on the same value.
What are the importance of Values?
-Influence human social behavior.
-Forms the basis for norms.

9. Basic Values in the United States
Sociologist Robin Williams (1970) - List of values that guides daily lives of people:
Achievement and success
Activity and work
Efficiency and practicality
Equality
Democracy
Group Superiority