Normative and Non-Normative Behavior

norms + types (4)

unwritten rules for expected behavior → help you to understand how to behave when when entering new situations and understanding others behaviors

types:

folkways

mores

laws

taboos

folkways

informal, unwritten norms that are generally expected, no consequences if do not follow e.g. keeping door open for someone walking in behind you

mores

morals, ties to cultural views, strong reaction but no consequences if violated e.g. truthfulness

laws

decide what is right and wrong in society, formal norms, and consequences for violating

taboos

strongest norms, violating makes you morally reprehensible, might be punished by law e.g. incest

sanctions

forms of social control that encourage compliance to norms info

positive sanctions

rewardsnega

negative sanctions

punishmentsin

informal sanctions

enforced and set by social groups

formal sanctions

set and enforced by institutions and organizations

deviance

acting away from expected behavior (violating norms)

differential association theory

deviant behavior is a learned behavior from others

“birds of same feather flock together”

labeling theory

the act of labeling deviant behavior can lead to deviance

1º and 2º deviance

1º deviance

first initial violation, small event, does not ilicit much of a reacon

2º deviance

individual labeled a deviant → stigma → individual acts in accordance with the label

strain theory

a gap between goal and resources to meet that need → deviance to bridge the gap

sick-role theory

an acceptable role of social deviance

when sick, exempt from expected tasks/responsibilities → expected that you will get better quickly and adhere to treatment to return

if do not get better or return, example of deviance

age cohorts

grouping people by age/generation usually have similar experiences

aging comes with

biological, psychological, and social changes in terms of perception and social role

life course approach

holistic way of examining how social historical and individual choices have impacted life

base: social context and individuals life as they age

activity theory

examnines how older generations view themselves, loss of job/activaties → social interactions need to be replacedconi

continuity theory

people aim for continuity (having the same structure) throughout life