Chapter 1 – Introduction: When Poop Goes Primetime
8. Be able to state an opinion on our need for “Norm police” in our society today. [PAPER]
The term social norm is used to describe a set of instructions mandated by society that describes behavior that is expected within the community. It helps dictate what people ought to do and what they ought not to do. Social norms may vary among different cultures. Norms are regulated by individuals’ part of a community (page 6).
Norm police can be used to describe people within society behaving in such a way that it helps ensure that norms, prescribed behaviors, are being followed. For instance, in the book, author Daniel Solove gives the example of a long line. If someone were to go against social norms and cut the line, most people would complain under their breath and very few people would actually confront the
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For example, in the text, the norm first-come, first-served was brought to the attention of the reader. Norms such as these help maintain structure and organization. However, sometimes I feel that “norm police” can have a negative impact because they can stifle originality. For example, norm police may negatively impact fashion. It is important for people to express themselves and to be original, instead of sticking to the status quo. If people stick to the status quo it will negatively impact new styles from being developed. In certain situations it is important to be a leader instead of a follower. This would be the case in the field of fashion as well as, technology and science. People stepping outside of the standards of the norm police is necessary for innovation. In general though having norm police helps society operate in a structured and organized manner. Although, the drawback to norm police may be that as a result we create more followers in society compared to