Norms

Introduction to Norms

  • Norms and their variations: social norms, normativity, normalcy.

  • Discussion of subtle differences between these terms and their implications in health and behavior.

Understanding Normalcy

  • Definition of Normalcy: Refers to how frequently a trait or behavior occurs.

  • Highlights the objective measure of commonality in traits/behaviors.

  • Example: The age at which puberty normally begins, linked to statistical understanding of human development.

Historical Context

  • The idea of objectivized normalcy is a recent invention, dating back to the 1800s.

  • French statistician Adolphe Caetilet: Proposed a mathematical model of the 'average man' that could rank human traits, both physical and moral.

  • This concept has led to the assumption that 'normal' has a numerical value associated with it, leading to the aggregative fallacy.

Aggregative Fallacy

  • Mistaken belief that the average trait in a population applies to individuals.

  • Example: Assuming everyone should be the average height of 5'8" based on population averages, which is misleading.

The Concept of Social Norms

  • Definition of Social Norms: Learned expectations about behaviors in social contexts.

  • These norms shape how individuals act and respond to one another.

  • Examples include greeting friends; a violation leads to feelings of upset.

Components of Social Norms

  1. Learned Expectations: Includes understanding expected behaviors, like greetings.

  2. Entitlement to Expectations: Feeling justified to expect a certain response from others.

  3. Moral/Just Framework: Believing that a behavior (like greeting) is natural or correct.

  4. Widespread Acceptance: The necessity that these norms are recognized and adhered to by others in the group.

Distinguishing Norm versus Normativity

  • Distinction between what commonly happens and what ought to happen (normativity).

  • Normativity has two dimensions: explicit and implicit.

    • Explicit Normative Statements: Clear statements on what should happen (e.g., "You should greet your friends").

    • Implicit Normative Attitudes: Unconscious values that guide actions based on personal beliefs about what is valuable or correct.

Interconnection of Norms and Health Care

  • Example of professorial behavior as a normative standard of conduct.

  • Normativity affects perception of social norms in various contexts, including health behavior and parenting.

  • Social Sanctions Against Smoking: Campaigns against smoking reflect normative values, thereby influencing public health behaviors.

    • Trend led to a reduction in smoking and an objective shift in what is considered 'normal' behavior regarding smoking.

Influence of Objective Normalcy on Normativity

  • Parenting concerns about a baby's weight relate to objective normalism (numerical standards).

  • Parents experience anxiety, reflecting the pressure from social norms related to good parenting.

  • Normativity can change based on the societal understanding of what is 'healthy', thus influencing both personal attitudes and social norms.

Conclusion

  • Distinctions among objective normalcy, social norms, and normativity are crucial for understanding health care dynamics and societal pressures.

  • Understanding these interconnections aids public health campaigns in better aligning with societal expectations and norms.