We explain what the rules are and in which areas they are found. In addition, social, criminal, legal, editorial norms and more.
What is a norm?
Norms are rules that are established with the purpose of regulating behaviors to maintain a certain order, and are articulated to establish the foundations of a behaviour accepted within a society or organization.
The standards can be applied in different areas of thelife and they are expected to be accepted by all. There are different types, which vary according to the field in which they are applied: religious norms, legal norms, moral standards, social norms. The individual begins to understand and know many of these norms from a young age.
Types of standards
They are the rules applied within asociety when guidelines are required to ensure order for good coexistence and they represent the largest system of rules in existence.
When the individual grows within a certain society, he knows that there are good and bad traditions, expected behaviors and other inappropriate or improper ones. These customs may vary according to the type of society, the culture or traditions.
Social norms are not regulated by law but they are patterns that exist in the collective conscious and unconscious and are transmitted from generation to generation. Failure to comply with these rules usually generates a rejection by the other members of society.
They are the rules that regulate behaviors within a certain society. Its purpose is to guarantee the correct functioning and harmony within a community and failure to comply carries a penalty.
Legal norms are detailed in a document and must be known to all members of a society. They are imposed by the competent authority, such as the executive power or legislative of a certain country. The other types of norms cannot go against the legal ones. For example: laws, treaties and decrees.
They are the norms that establish a series of behaviors expected of the individual. They are usually the basis of social norms and legal norms, and although they are not detailed in writing and lack a specific sanction, they are transmitted from generation to generation to guarantee harmony within communities.
Moral norms are derived from moral values Y ethical that guarantee the integrity of each individual and their relationship with others and with the physical environment that surrounds them.
They are the norms that regulate the behavior of the members of a certain creed or religion. They are transmitted from generation to generation and are usually expressed in holy or sacred books, such as the Bible of the Catholic religion, or the Torah of the Jewish religion. They regulate behaviors and attitudes in various areas of public and private life of parishioners.
These types of rules are incoercible, that is, no individual can force another to comply with them. Non-compliance does not imply a specific sanction or punishment, but rather they are rules that are met individually and autonomously. Some examples of these rules are: the ten commandments, the fasting month of Ramadan.
In addition, we can mention other kinds of norms:
- Linguistic standard. They are rules that determine the correct use of a certain language and include grammar and spelling rules.
- Editorial standard. They are specific rules and guidelines that must be followed for the realization and literary content.
Examples of standards
Religious norms
- For the Catholic religion, attend church on Sundays.
- For the Jewish religion, respect the Sabbath.
- For the Muslim religion, make a once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca.
Moral standards
- Not lie.
- Respect the opinions of others.
- No discriminate by race, creed or sex.
Social norms
- Respect the row in the banks and shops.
- Give the seat in public transport to older adults and pregnant women.
- Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.
Legal norms
- Law that protects freedom of expression.
- International treaty on the rights of the child.
- Law that prohibits the promotion of products with tobacco.
Rules and laws
Legal norms are those that regulate the behavior of individuals within a given society and are mandatory. A law is a type of legal norm that arises from the need to regulate and govern social behavior. Violating the law involves penalties, fines or arrests.
Laws are dictated by the authority of the country, must be presented in writing and must be known to all members of society. Depending on the case, the law may prohibit or allow a certain conduct and it applies to all members equally, without exceptions.
Decrees, treaties, and codes are other types of legal norms.
Norms and rules
While the norms are taught to regulate individual and social behavior within a certain society, the rules are more specific postulates that regulate attitudes or behaviors within a certain society. context, which can be groups or organizations.
The rules are usually written and must be known by all members of a certain institution or organization (a club of football, a university). They determine what is allowed and what is prohibited within a context and are often based on moral, legal or social norms. Non-compliance with the rules usually brings with it some type of internal sanction.
For example: rules of a sport, rules of coexistence inside a building, rules in a school recess.