Violating Library Norms

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How would you describe the average library setting? Libraries are usually serene and quiet. They are orderly places where you can rent books, relax and read, type an essay, or study for a test. The norm or expected behavior in a library is a behavior that is respectful, quiet, and serious. Generally, you keep to yourself. One does not visit the local library to catch up with an old friend or goof around. For this assignment I chose to violate the library norm. I chose to do so in a subtle manner to avoid making a big scene or getting kicked out. By violating the norm, I displayed deviant behavior. This is any behavior that violates the norms that apply in a given situation. I portrayed someone who might be referred to as a “creeper” or stalker. The role I played involved a few variations of the same general idea. My actions always involved staring. The purpose of my experiment was to elicit a response from each of my targeted subjects. Prior to my experiment, I was truly nervous. This went against my shy, laid-back exterior. My thoughts were that I would be too nervous to follow through with the plan or that I would break character right away and laugh. I couldn’t bring a friend because I knew it would be even more difficult to keep my composure. I will give a few specific reactions I received. For round one, I walked to a row of computers and sat next to a woman who looked to be around the age of thirty. She was typing a letter or paper so I decided I would race her. I pulled up Word and started typing as fast as I could while repeatedly shooting quick glances at her. I knew how ridiculous I looked. As soon as I saw her look back out of the corner of her eye, I lost my control and laughed. I told her about my assignment and we ... ... middle of paper ... ... norm violation determine whether the act is “deviant.” According to this view, deviance depends on the reactions of others. My norm violation is considered a deviant act based on the reactions I received. A negative response or reaction to a behavior means that the behavior is deviant. A behavior considered to be “normal” will not draw a reaction. In summary, my norm violation was simple. I violated the library norm by staring at and mimicking strangers. The purpose was to generate responses. It displays the need and importance for norms in society. My norm violation is just one of countless examples. It is hard for me to say what society would look like without social norms. It could go a number of different ways, positive and negative. Norms are key to balance and order. They allow us to hold expectations for others and understand what is expected of ourselves.

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