Example Of Norm Violations

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We as humans want to fit in with the people around us. It is hard for us to break norms, which is “the expectation of “right” behavior” (Henslin, 2011, p. 49). Violating a norm is going against then normal of the community we live in. The different violations that can be violated like for example folkways, “a norm that is not strictly enforced” (Henslin, 2011, p. 51). Where mores are, “norms that are strictly enforced because they are thought essential to core values or the wellbeing of the group” (Henslin, 2011, p. 51). It is because of our values, we determine the violation a positive or negative sanction. Values are “standards by which people define what is desirable or undesirable, good or bad, beautiful or ugly” (Henslin, 2011, p. 49). “Sanctions refer to the reactions people receive for following or breaking norms” (Henslin, 2011, p. 49).
As for a norm violation I observed was at the Valley Plaza Mall and a guy was fully dressed as a female. Though he probably feels as a woman and accepts himself for how he is I observed the reactions by many people and for the most part many people looked at him in disgust. I know that for many people it is odd to see a man dressed up as a women, but some people it brings in religion and that biblically being gay, and …show more content…

It was very difficult for me get out of my comfort zone and break the norms. I have always been taught to follow rules, and to respect my values, and what I believe in. Folkways and mores cannot be broken without the stares, glares, and frown of the people watching. Depending on the violation, as for the couple in Walmart, that was a norm that was very disrespectful and I understand the stares and glares were towards them, as for the man dressed as a women I believe society makes it hard for people to be who they want to be because of the constant judgment and the expectation we hold for people to hold themselves

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