Norms and Values How are cultures distinct from

Norms and Values

How are cultures distinct from one another? • What makes each culture distinctive are the norms and values associated with it. Norms are expected patterns of behaviour that are based on the values of the culture. For example, in the UK, it is a norm to wear clothes in public – this is based on the value of modesty), and to eat with a knife and fork – based on the values of hygiene and manners Values are beliefs and ideas that society sees as important, and that are accepted by the majority of society. Values are things that we believe in, strive to achieve, and that guide our behaviour. For example, in the UK we value life, success, honesty, loyalty, hygiene, family and some other stuff.

Norms and Values at school Values Norms • Educational achievement • Obedience • Respect • Conformity • Knowledge • • Wear the uniform Sit down Obey the teacher Listen Be punctual Ask and answer questions Try your best Do homework

Norms and Values are not set in stone • The norms and values of any culture are relative. • This means that they are not fixed and are not the same for all people in all situations. For example – people eat burgers and sandwiches with their hands, unless they are one of those knife and fork perverts. • Norms and values can change over time – for example it used to be the norm to smoke in pubs – but now it is becoming more and more deviant

• Most people in society follow the norms most of the time – they conform. Those who do not follow the norms of society are considered deviant. Deviance is behaviour that goes against the norms of a group or a society. Deviance usually leads to consequences or sanctions