Social norms shape our actions and decisions from "summary" of The Social Animal by Elliot Aronson
Social norms play a significant role in guiding our behavior and influencing our decisions. These norms are the unwritten rules that dictate what is considered acceptable or appropriate in a given society. They serve as a kind of social glue, helping to maintain order and cohesion within a community. When we conform to these norms, we are more likely to be accepted by others and to avoid potential conflicts or backlash. The power of social norms lies in their ability to shape our perceptions and attitudes, often without us even realizing it. We internalize these norms from a young age through observation, imitation, and reinforcement from those around us. As a result, they become deeply ingrained in our subconscious and can exert a strong influence on our thoughts and actions. In some cases, social norms can lead us to act in ways that may not align with our personal beliefs or values. This is known as normative influence, where we conform to the expectations of others in order to be accepted or to avoid rejection. We may go along with the crowd, even if it means compromising our own principles, simply because we fear standing out or being judged. However, social norms are not static or fixed – they can shift and evolve over time in response to changing circumstances or attitudes. As individuals, we also have the power to challenge or redefine existing norms through our actions and behaviors. By breaking free from the constraints of conformity, we can pave the way for new norms to emerge and shape the future of our society.- The influence of social norms on our behavior is a complex interplay of social, cultural, and psychological factors. By understanding the power that these norms hold over us, we can gain insight into why we act the way we do and how we can navigate the social landscape with greater awareness and autonomy.
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