Social-Cultural Influences in AP Psychology

Definition

Social-cultural influences refer to the impact that social factors, such as cultural norms, societal expectations, and interpersonal relationships, have on individual behavior. These influences shape our thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, and actions.

Related terms

Norms:

Norms are unwritten rules that dictate acceptable behavior within a society or group. They vary across cultures and influence how individuals perceive and respond to different situations.

Conformity:

Conformity refers to adjusting one's behavior, attitudes, or beliefs in response to real or imagined pressure from others. It often occurs due to social-cultural influences.

Cultural Relativism:

Cultural relativism is the idea that cultural norms and values are relative to a particular culture or society. It emphasizes understanding and respecting different cultural practices without imposing one's own beliefs or judgments.