Author Question: Discuss the idea of societal norms. Is there a difference between one kind of norm and another? Is ... (Read 48 times)

D2AR0N · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

Discuss the idea of societal norms. Is there a difference between one kind of norm and another? Is breaching one kind of norm more serious than breaching another?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss whether culture encourages or discourages acceptance of others. Give examples of ethnocentrism.

What will be an ideal response?

T4T · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 2, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Feedback: Societal norms are societal prescriptions for how one is to act in given situations. Thus, behavior is patterned. We know how to behave, and we can anticipate how other people will behave. This knowledge allows interaction to occur smoothly. Norms are divided into two types by degree of importance and severity of punishment for their violation. Folkways are less important. Mores are considered more vital and therefore are more severely punished if violated.

Answer to Question 2

Feedback: Culture maintains boundaries. One's own culture seems right and natural. Other cultures are considered inferior, wrong, or immoral. This tendency to consider the ways of one's own group superior is called ethnocentrism. If we understand the cultural context of a given society, however, their practices generally make sense. This is called cultural relativity. Ethnocentrism can include television shows that mock the cuisine of other cultures or, more seriously, results in policies such as manifest destiny and Jim Crow laws.