When you sit in a group of people there are always implicit rules that the group uses. Some people may ask how they are supposed to know these rules if they are not openly stated. The answer is that these norms are often transmitted through behaviors such as body language and facial expressions. Frowns are seen on the faces of others when an individual breaks an implicit norm and when norms are followed there are smiles. People in the group must decide whether these rules are acceptable and if they aren’t acceptable, individuals must make a frightening decision. Individuals must decide if they are willing to go along with these norms or risk exclusion from the group. Many people will opt to follow these norms even if they don’t necessarily approve of them because many people do not want to feel like outcasts.
From an early age, kids want to be accepted. If you look around in any social group we can see people who have the need to show off or put others down. This is because most people yearn for acceptance and desire to be “popular” or “cool.” (Human Needs) In order to be accepted and to feel that approval people must follow social norms. Social norms are so deeply ingrained in the minds of individuals because they are learned at an early age through the process of socialization. As a child, individuals are taught social norms on a daily base in places such as classrooms. For example, if students want to speak in class they are taught to discreetly raise their hands. Students who follow these norms are praised and students who do not receive punishments. Also, students who follow these norms tend to be more successful in school and success is something that is praised in society. If following social norms helps lead to success, why wouldn’t people follow these norms?
