Social norms and their meaning

Social norms are understood to mean nothing but certain patterns and rules of behavior that are fixed in society. This consolidation occurred as a result of practical activities, during which certain standards appeared, as well as behaviors that were recognized as standard. Social norms of behavior determine how a person should act in certain situations. To some extent they determine what kind of person should be.

Social norms are numerous:
Morality. One is good, and the other is bad, one is good, and the other is evil. As a rule, sanctions in this case are public censure, as well as remorse;
- standards of etiquette. These are norms of communication, rules of negotiation and so on. They determine how a person should behave in society;
- the rule of law. They are fixed in the laws. Their non-compliance leads to state sanctions;
- traditions and customs. They are entrenched as a result of long repetitions;
- political norms. As it is clear from the title, they regulate political life. These norms are fixed in international treaties, charters and so on;
Aesthetic norms. Applied to the work of art, the actions of man and so on;
- corporate standards. Regulate the relationship within any organization;
- religious norms. Contained in the scriptures.

Social norms and sanctions

It is necessary that every member of society should take the social norms seriously and obey them without question. First of all, this is necessary in order to protect the person himself and the whole society. Punishment for non-observance of social norms - various sanctions, which can be very specific in this case. It is also about the agony of conscience, and about sanctions from the state. Everything depends on the specific case and on what social norms were violated.

Social norms and their features

All these norms somehow regulate those relations that arise as a result of the implementation of socio-cultural, political and many other tasks that arise before the state, society and, of course, an individual person.

Social norms are regulators that establish a very specific and clear framework for the behavior of all participants in social relations. Of course, these norms contain the same measures and commands. Social norms are distinctive in that they are not addressed to anyone, but at the same time are addressed to everyone. No one can violate them with impunity. Regulatory impact in this case is aimed at achieving a certain state of social relations. For this, the mechanisms of social coercion may well be used.

The better the society is developed, the better developed social norms. The sphere of their action is always social relations. Social norms are created within the collectives and are intended for the same collectives.

From the above, it can be concluded that these norms help to make interaction between people as effective as possible.

Social norms can be characterized by the following:
- they are of a general nature, that is, they can not be applied only to someone individually;
- they indicate how a person should behave in order to be useful to society;
- For non-observance of social norms, sanctions must necessarily follow.

Finally, I want to note that social norms are not particularly effective when a person observes them only in order to avoid any sanctions, but when he personally realizes their importance and necessity.