Social Norms, Deviance, and Sanctions (7B) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Folkway. Violates etiquette norms but not moral standards.

Deviance depends on cultural context; no universal standard. What's deviant in one culture may be normal in another.

Adopting norms as personal values that guide behavior. Creates self-regulation without external enforcement.

A strong moral norm with serious sanctions when violated. Violations threaten core social values and group cohesion.

A formally codified norm enforced by official institutions. Laws transform social norms into state-enforced rules.

Behavior that violates social norms in a given context. Context determines whether behavior is considered deviant.

Deviance is defined relative to a specific culture and context. What's deviant in one society may be normal in another.

A reward or punishment used to enforce conformity to norms. Sanctions maintain social order through behavioral consequences.

Positive: rewards; negative: punishments. Both types shape behavior through different consequences.

Mechanisms that regulate behavior and promote conformity. Includes both internal and external enforcement methods.

A group with which one identifies and whose norms guide behavior. Members share values and enforce norms collectively.

A group seen as different; its members are judged by in-group norms. Often stereotyped as deviant based on in-group standards.

Deviance. All crimes are deviant, but not all deviance is criminal.

Formal negative sanction. Legal system enforces societal norms through official channels.

Informal positive sanction. Social approval reinforces desired group behaviors.

Folkway. Violating folkways rarely results in serious consequences.

Deviance that follows labeling and becomes part of self-identity. Labeling causes person to adopt deviant identity.

Secondary deviance. Label becomes internalized, creating more deviance.

Peer ridicule. Informal control uses social pressure, not legal authority.

A shared rule or expectation that guides behavior in a group. Norms create predictability and order in social interactions.

Norms are informal expectations; laws are formal rules enforced by the state. Laws have legal consequences; norms have social consequences.

Behavior or beliefs that violate social norms in a given context. Deviance is culturally defined, not inherently wrong.

Negative sanctions. Negative sanctions discourage norm violations.

Positive sanctions. Positive sanctions encourage conformity to norms.

A strongly held norm with moral significance and strong sanctions. Mores reflect core values and trigger serious sanctions.

Formal norms. Written rules with specified consequences distinguish formal norms.

Deviance that follows labeling and becomes part of self-concept. Label becomes internalized, creating deviant identity.

Functionalist view of deviance (Durkheim): deviance reinforces norms. Deviance paradoxically unites conformists against rule-breakers.

A shared, informal rule that guides acceptable behavior in a group. Norms emerge from collective expectations, not formal decree.