Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that guide behavior in a society or group. They dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior.
Related terms
Cultural values: The beliefs and principles that a society holds dear, which often shape its social norms.
Peer pressure: The influence exerted by one's peers to conform to certain behaviors or attitudes.
Deviance: Behavior that goes against established social norms and is often seen as abnormal or unacceptable.