Norms

Definition

Norms are the established standards or expectations that dictate appropriate behavior within a society or group. These unwritten rules influence how individuals interact, respond to situations, and perceive their surroundings, shaping cultural practices and social dynamics throughout history. In the context of technological developments since 1914, norms have evolved significantly, often reflecting or reacting to changes in technology, communication, and societal values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since 1914, technological advancements like the internet and mobile communication have transformed norms related to social interaction and information sharing.
2. The rise of social media has created new norms around privacy, communication styles, and the dissemination of information in society.
3. Norms can differ significantly between cultures; for example, norms around work-life balance have changed as remote work becomes more common due to technological capabilities.
4. Emerging technologies often challenge existing norms, leading to debates on ethics, privacy, and the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.
5. Norms are not static; they can adapt over time as new technologies emerge and societal values shift in response to those changes.

Review Questions

• How have technological advancements since 1914 influenced social norms in contemporary society?
  • Technological advancements since 1914 have significantly influenced social norms by altering how people communicate and interact. The introduction of the internet has led to new norms around instant communication, reshaping expectations for availability and responsiveness. Additionally, social media platforms have created a culture where public sharing is commonplace, changing perceptions of privacy and community engagement.
• Analyze the relationship between cultural relativism and norms as societies adopt new technologies.
  • Cultural relativism suggests that norms should be understood within their own cultural contexts. As societies adopt new technologies, they often reevaluate their existing norms in light of these changes. For example, while some cultures may embrace remote work as a positive development in work-life balance, others may resist these shifts due to traditional views on workplace interactions. This highlights the importance of understanding how technology can influence cultural practices differently across various societies.
• Evaluate the impact of technological determinism on societal norms and values over the past century.
  • Technological determinism posits that technology drives social change, which has been evident in the evolution of societal norms and values over the last century. For instance, the widespread use of smartphones has redefined communication norms and interpersonal relationships. As people increasingly rely on technology for daily interactions, traditional social norms surrounding face-to-face communication have shifted. This transformation not only affects individual behavior but also influences broader societal values related to community engagement and personal connection.

Related terms

Social Change:

The transformation of cultural, social, and political norms and values over time, often as a response to technological advancements or significant events.

Cultural Relativism: The principle of understanding a culture's beliefs and practices from its own context rather than judging it by the standards of another culture.

Technological Determinism: The theory that technology is a primary driver of social change, affecting how societies evolve and shaping cultural norms.