Editing Social norm (section)

== Sociology ==
In sociology, norms are seen as rules that bind an individual's actions to a specific sanction in one of two forms: a punishment or a reward.<ref name=":06">{{Cite book |last=HYDEN |first=HAKAN |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1274199773 |title=SOCIOLOGY OF LAW AS THE SCIENCE OF NORMS |date=2022 |publisher=ROUTLEDGE |isbn=978-1-003-24192-8 |location=[S.l.] |oclc=1274199773}}</ref> Through regulation of behavior, social norms create unique patterns that allow for distinguishing characteristics to be made between social systems.<ref name=":06"/> This creates a boundary that allows for a differentiation between those that belong in a specific social setting and those that do not.<ref name=":06"/>

For [[Talcott Parsons]] of the [[Structural functionalism|functionalist]] school, norms dictate the interactions of people in all social encounters. On the other hand, [[Karl Marx]] believed that norms are used to promote the creation of [[role]]s in society which allows for people of different levels of [[social class]] structure to be able to function properly.<ref name="marshall" /> Marx claims that this power dynamic creates [[social order]]. [[James Coleman (sociologist)]] used both micro and macro conditions for his theory.<ref name=":06"/> For Coleman, norms start out as goal oriented actions by actors on the micro level.<ref name=":06"/> If the benefits do not outweigh the costs of the action for the actors, then a social norm would emerge.<ref name=":06"/> The norm's effectiveness is then determined by its ability to enforce its sanctions against those who would not contribute to the "optimal social order."<ref name=":06"/>

[[Heinrich Popitz]] is convinced that the establishment of social norms, that make the future actions of alter foreseeable for ego, solves the problem of [[contingency (philosophy)|contingency]] ([[Niklas Luhmann]]). In this way, ego can count on those actions as if they would already have been performed and does not have to wait for their actual execution; social interaction is thus accelerated. Important factors in the standardization of behavior are sanctions<ref>See The International Handbook of Sociology, ed. by Stella R. Quah and Arnaud Sales, Sage 2000, p. 62.</ref> and social roles.

=== Operant conditioning ===
The probability of these behaviours occurring again is discussed in the theories of [[B. F. Skinner]], who states that [[operant conditioning]] plays a role in the process of social norm development. Operant conditioning is the process by which behaviours are changed as a function of their consequences. The probability that a behaviour will occur can be increased or decreased depending on the consequences of said behaviour.

In the case of social deviance, an individual who has gone against a norm will contact the negative contingencies associated with deviance, this may take the form of formal or informal rebuke, social isolation or censure, or more concrete punishments such as fines or imprisonment. If one reduces the deviant behavior after receiving a negative consequence, then they have learned via punishment. If they have engaged in a behavior consistent with a social norm after having an aversive stimulus reduced, then they have learned via negative reinforcement. Reinforcement increases behavior, while punishment decreases behavior.

As an example of this, consider a child who has painted on the walls of her house, if she has never done this before she may immediately seek a reaction from her mother or father. The form of reaction taken by the mother or father will affect whether the behaviour is likely to occur again in the future. If her parent is positive and approving of the behaviour it will likely reoccur (reinforcement) however, if the parent offers an aversive consequence (physical punishment, time-out, anger etc...) then the child is less likely to repeat the behaviour in future (punishment).

Skinner also states that humans are conditioned from a very young age on how to behave and how to act with those around us considering the outside influences of the society and location one is in.<ref>Dobbert, Duane L., and Thomas X. Mackey. "Chapter 9: B.F. Skinner." ''Deviance: Theories on Behaviors That Defy Social Norms''. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Print.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Baker-Sperry |first1=Lori |last2=Grauerholz |first2=Liz |date=October 2003 |title=The Pervasiveness and Persistence of the Feminine Beauty Ideal in Children's Fairy Tales |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/3594706 |access-date=February 23, 2024 |journal=Gender and Society|volume=17 |issue=5 |pages=711–726 |doi=10.1177/0891243203255605 |jstor=3594706 |s2cid=54711044 }}</ref> Built to blend into the ambiance and attitude around us, deviance is a frowned upon action.