Social Norms

Definition

Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern the behavior of individuals within a society or group. These norms shape how people interact, influencing their actions, attitudes, and perceptions of what is acceptable or unacceptable in a given context. In literature, especially during specific periods like the Restoration, these norms often reflect the values and attitudes of the society they depict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Restoration period, social norms were heavily influenced by class distinctions and gender roles, dictating acceptable behavior for different societal segments.
2. Restoration drama often satirized social norms, exposing their absurdities and questioning their validity through humor and wit.
3. Comedy of manners as a genre specifically focused on the behavior of the upper classes, critiquing their morals and relationships through the lens of social norms.
4. The concept of 'fops' and 'rakes' in Restoration plays highlighted the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.
5. Social norms played a crucial role in shaping character interactions and conflicts in Restoration literature, driving plots and influencing resolutions.

Review Questions

• How do social norms influence character behavior in Restoration drama?
  • In Restoration drama, social norms are integral to character development and interactions. Characters are often portrayed in conflict with societal expectations, which drives the plot forward. For instance, a character may struggle between following the norm of marrying for wealth versus pursuing true love, showcasing the tension between individual desires and societal pressures.
• Analyze how comedy of manners reflects and critiques social norms of its time.
  • Comedy of manners serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its social norms while also critiquing them. By portraying the behaviors and attitudes of the upper class, these comedies highlight the absurdity and hypocrisy often found within social conventions. The use of wit and satire allows playwrights to challenge the status quo, encouraging audiences to question their own adherence to such norms.
• Evaluate the impact of changing social norms on character relationships within Restoration literature.
  • The shifting social norms during the Restoration period greatly impacted character relationships within literature of that time. As traditional values began to clash with emerging ideas about personal freedom and individuality, characters faced new dilemmas in their interactions. This evolution led to more complex relationships, where characters navigated between societal expectations and personal desires, ultimately reflecting broader societal changes.

Related terms

Etiquette: A set of conventional rules that guide polite behavior in social settings, often dictating how individuals should act in various situations.

Conformity: The act of aligning one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with the norms or expectations of a group, often to gain acceptance or avoid conflict.

Mores: The essential customs and conventions of a community that have moral significance, often seen as fundamental to societal functioning.