Differences between the norms of law and other social norms. Basic social norms

The social norm is a rule of conduct, generally accepted for all people. This definition is the same, that is, applies to all social norms. But what are the differences between the norms of law and other social norms? This article will try to answer this question. It is important to understand that for an ideal definition of the difference between the norms of law and other social norms, it is necessary to understand these concepts. Well, let's get down to it immediately.

The concept of social norms

So, we have understood that a set of social norms is the main mechanism of society self-regulation. It is the presence of social norms that we owe to the fact that there is a more or less good order in the society. The social norm is a complex phenomenon that includes in itself such spheres of human life as:

• A family. It is from here that the process of socialization begins - the entry of man into society. And on what rules of behavior are in the family and how much they are respected by the rest of its members, depends on a personal set of what can or can not do it.
• Job. Then we proceed to work. Social norms are the same here. It is on the basis of how well a person will master and respect them, depend on relationships with colleagues or superiors. At the same time, absolute conformity (behavior that is based on the full acceptance of social norms) is unlikely to lead to career growth.
• Education. The school is one of the first agents of socialization of a person apart from the family. It is here that the basic social norms are systematically expounded, and being in the collective helps the child to translate them into practice.
• Religion. It is full of different norms. Their set is specific to every religion, but there are still cross-cultural elements. For example, such commandments as "Do not Kill" or "Do not Steal" are the basic rules of behavior inherent in any society. Religion allows the integration of different social norms between representatives of completely opposite societies. And this is precisely what religion really does. For example, Christianity introduced the basic rule of morality in almost any country: "Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you." And in fact, it is on this rule that most of the social norms are based. But we'll talk about this in more detail later.
• Relations. The main goal of social norms is the regulation of human relations. Therefore, it is in this sphere that they are manifested. This item is universal. After all, the family, school, and religion are thoroughly imbued with relationships between different people.

And many other spheres of human life that exist nowadays.

Functions of social norms

The social norm was not just invented by people. We have already realized that it has a regulatory function. But this phenomenon is not limited to it alone. What other functions does the social norm? The social norms include such tasks that society sets for itself:

• The measure of control. This means that social norms are intended as a standard by which society judges people. This is the evaluation function.
• Forced socialization. All the previous experience that has been received by mankind, through the system of social norms, can be handed over to a person during the growing up period, so that he becomes much better than his one-year-old in the previous generation. Thus, the evolution of society is taking place.
• Creating a good impression. If a person has mastered social norms well, then he is initially in a more advantageous position against the background of people who have socialized poorly. The latter need psychological and social assistance, which can last for a year. Accordingly, the person who is well acquainted with the social norms (observe them, or not - everyone's business), initially is in a more favorable position.
• Designation of personal boundaries of each member of society.

These are the main tasks that social norms have. Obviously, there are a lot more of them. But the main thing is still the regulation of social relations. With social norms, the concept of technical norms is close , when rules of communication with various kinds of technology are established.

Signs of social norms

Not every rule is a social norm. Therefore, it will be rational to consider the signs by which it can be determined.

1. Normativeness. This indicates the rules that a person must follow in the presence of a particular situation.
2. The universality. Social norms should concern absolutely all people, regardless of the category to which they belong.
3. Social conditioning. That is, the norms are produced directly by the society.
4. Systematic. Any social norms are interrelated.
5. Regulatory. Their task, as we have already understood, is the regulation of social relations.
6. Security. Monitoring compliance with social norms should somehow be implemented.

Such signs have social norms. They are inherent in both legal norms and not.

The legal norm

And now we will proceed directly to a topic such as the peculiarities of the rule of law. What is the rule of law in general? This is a kind of social norm, which is a sign of power and, in theory, must express the will of the people that this government has appointed to serve it. In practice, this does not always happen. What are the signs of the legal norm? What parts of the rule of law do they have?

• Hypothesis.
• Disposition.
• Sanction.

These parts are basic and verified not only by logical means, but also with the help of previous experience of public regulation. That's why we need to study history. After all, the quality of legal life in a certain state depends on it.

Differences between legal and social norms

And now we have come to the most interesting, to what the whole article is about. What is the ratio of the rule of law to the other rules of behavior put forward to people. For this it is necessary to understand from the very beginning what kinds of norms there are. And based on this knowledge, we already learn this topic in more detail. So, what kinds of regulation of human behavior can be regarded as social norms? The following types are related to them:

• Religious.
• Corporate.
• Family.
• Group.
• Norms of morals.

Such basic types of social norms. This division can be called quite arbitrary. But since the notion of a social norm is wide enough, you can think for yourself. And believe me, there will be no mistakes, no matter how hard you try to make it. As far as social norms are concerned, this kind of space for creativity opens!

What is deviant behavior?

Deviant behavior is a violation of the rule, which we call "social norms". And deviant behavior is inherent in one way or another to each of us. Well, let's see what kinds of deviations from social norms exist.

• Asocial behavior. This behavior violates non-legal social norms.
• Antisocial behavior. It can already call into question legal norms. Very often, this type is also called a delinquent type.

These two types are very easy to understand. At the same time, it can not be said that those people who practice asocial behavior can go beyond the law line. They can even become more adequate if they are conducted with competent social work. Very difficult for some people are given social norms. And deviant behavior is not a sign that these people are bad. They just went through the process of socialization badly.

Examples of deviant behavior

It would be quite logical for each of these types of deviations to show an example of such behavior.

1. Asocial behavior - loud music on the street, indecent expressions.
2. Anti-social behavior - murders, mass terrorist acts and so on.

These examples clearly show the difference between just social norms and legal ones. This is the difference between the norms of law and other social norms.

Basic social norms

In general, as to which social norms are basic, each person will give his answer to this question. Therefore, it would be more logical to build it in this way: "On what principle is the most part of social norms based"? And here we are already faced with a very simple rule: "Do not harm yourself and do not let me hurt you." There are a lot of advantages in this position:

• A man insures himself against invading his personal space.
• The optimal initial distance between people is established.
• With the help of a system of social norms, a person can understand how to behave from the very beginning and not step on the rake.
• The system of social norms helps the parent to see the way of raising children.

And there are really such advantages.

conclusions

Let's summarize, as a summary of this topic, the main differences that the legal norm has against the background of all other social rules.

1. Differences in the norms of law from other social norms begin with a scale. We have already realized that law is only one of the elements of public regulation.
2. Origin.
3. The nature of compliance.
4. Sanctions.
5. Development.
6. Degree of detail.

This is how they differ. And this list is quite large. But nothing complicated in this. So, we have understood the main differences between the social norm and the legal one. It is important to understand that most of the legal norms have gone from social ones. The latter are primary, and what the state offers under the guise of the law is already secondary.