Examples Of Norm Violations

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Our society has programmed us in such a way that we create values that pertain to our unique culture and social life. Norm violations sometimes make people feel uncomfortable, ashamed or embarrassed whether they themselves are violating a norm or witnessing someone violate one. The reactions people have during committing a norm or viewing someone do so is what makes it a violation. The feelings and reactions themselves can be a type of sanction whether it is a positive sanction or negative sanction. Negative sanctions are described as, “expressions of approval given to people for upholding norms or expressions of disapproval for violating them” (Henslin, 2015, p.49). The first norm violation I observed was while I was having dinner with my …show more content…

Going into this norm project I was not expecting violating a norm to be so difficult and uncomfortable. My best friend, Savannah was not in on the norm violation which is what made it so hard for me. Her mother’s birthday dinner was held at olive garden and all of Savannah’s close relatives were attending which is why I thought it was the perfect opportunity for a norm violation. I always order the chicken Alfredo pasta and a small salad on the side. When ordering I was polite as usual and when the waiter brought out the breadsticks I ate two at a time and I didn’t close my mouth while chewing. Savannah and her family were repulsed and it took everything in me to continue on. When the pasta came out I ate it with my hands. Savannah then turned to me with anger and said “Lety, we have forks for a reason!” I looked at her in the eyes nodded and said “I know”, and continued on with my meal. The waiter and her family continued to give me looks of disgust and bewilderment. Savannah later told me her mother said “What the hell is wrong with Lety, didn’t her Mom raise her better.” I am glad I went through in doing this norm because it really gave me perspective on how society views you as a person. Sometimes you have to take a step back and learn about your society and your impact on

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