Khan Academy MCAT Psych/Soc - Normative and Non-Normative Behavior

Norm

Standards for what behaviors, set by a group of people, are acceptable and which are not. May vary depending on time, culture, context, physical location, country, circumstances, etc.

Sanctions and types

Reinforcement of norms through rewards or punishment.

Positive - Reward for conforming to norms

Negative - Punishment for violating norms

Formal - Officially recognized and reinforced

Informal - Unofficial recognized with no punishment

Formal and Informal Norms

Formal norms are written down while informal norms are understood but more vague with no punishment.

4 Groups of Norms

Folkways, Mores, Laws, Taboos

Folkway

Mildest norm consisting of common rules and manners typically followed. No actual punishment.

Traditions individuals have followed for a long time, ex. opening the door, helping a person who’s dropped item, or saying thank you

Mores

Norms based on moral value or belief (dependent on a groups right and wrong). Generally produces strong feelings or reactions when violated but does not have serious consequences.

Laws

Norms based on right and wrong but are generally formal and consistent with consequences. A punishment is present and it may be simple or severe.

Taboos

Behaviors completely forbidden and wrong in any circumstance. Violation results in extreme consequence of lawful punishment and severe disgust by community.

Deviance

Violation of norms. These are generally not negative but simply a different behavior that what society views as normal. Is relative meaning it depends on context, individuals, country, etc. Something as simple as a vegan in comparison to most meat eaters in America.

Symbolic Interactionism

Society is a product of everyday interactions of the people to understand what is normal and define deviance.

Symbolic Interactionism — a sociological perspective that says:

• People act based on the meanings things have for them.

• These meanings come from social interactions with others.

• Meanings can change over time through new interactions.

Example:
A wedding ring isn’t just a piece of metal — it symbolizes love and commitment because of the meanings society has given it through interaction.

3 Types of Deviance

Differential Association, Labeling Theory and Strain Theory

Theory of Differential Association

Deviance is a LEARNED behavior which results from repeated exposure to others who violate norms or laws.

Labeling Theory

Behavior is deviant if people have judged the behavior and labeled it as so. Consists of primary and secondary deviance.

Primary Deviance

The reaction to deviant behavior is very mild and does not affect the individuals self-esteem. The individual continues to behave without feeling immoral.

Secondary Deviance

Serious consequence. Associated with severe negative reaction that produces a stigmatizing label and results in MORE deviant behavior.

Strain Theory

A person may turn to deviance if they are unable to attain a culturally accepted goal.

Collective Behavior

Large numbers of individuals rapidly behave in ways that are not in line with societal norms. This is time limited with short-social interactions, open and has loose norms.

3 Types of Collective Behavior

Fads, Mass Hysteria and Riots

Fad

A fleeting behavior or something that becomes incredibly popular very quickly and also loses popularity just as quickly. Short time frame but influences a large number of people. Is perceived as cool or interesting but is not in line with normal behavior.

Mass Hysteria and related term

Large number of people who experience unmanageable delusions and anxiety collectively. Reactions spread quickly through fear and negative news.

Mass psychogenic illness, or epidemic hysteria: Mass hysteria can be a result of of psychology, like when large amount of people believe they have same illness despite lack of disease. • Ex. after anthrax attack in US, after reports there were over 2000 false alarms. Individuals reported false symptoms of anthrax infection and because they believed they were exposed (which induced false symptoms).

Riots

Large number of people who engage in dangerous behavior that is very chaotic, illegal and expensive.