Sociological Observation

Sociological Observation

Norm Definition and Examples

Norms tell us about behave. They enable people with the observation and give an idea of behavior which is acceptable in a particular culture or social group. Norms define appropriate behavior for every cultural or social group (McLeod, 2008). For example, children, parents, students, patients and neighbors know the governing behavior. It provides order in society. There are many examples of norms. Two possible examples are:

The norm of reciprocity suggests us that we should help people if we have sought help from them. It is a common activity at work places. When we wish to have a day off for personal work then we ask our colleagues to work and take responsibility of that day. It is natural that we may be expected to receive similar request from our colleagues in the near future.

We live in the street. The members of the society are high status individuals and families. There is more probability that some individuals of society tend to act abnormally or fails to respond with a positive attitude and results in improper behavior. Such as, going to the toilet is normal human behavior but doing in the middle of society or street would be considered as improper or abnormal behavior.

I will break social norm of our society on Sunday. Our society is comprised of high-status and well- mannered individuals and families which make it unique than other societies. I have selected the street where we live as a location. The street pattern is like residential street with parking or common area. Condition of the street is good. There are not any broken curbs, potholes or sizeable cracks. There is outdoor lighting illuminating the street. Around 75% of the block face of the street is illumination with the street lights at night. There are also traffic calming measures visible on the street such as speed sign limits, pedestrian crossing or cross walk, the traffic-calmed neighborhood, designated Bike Lane and speed reducing Humps. The sidewalk conditions of the street are good with no uneven pavement or crumbling, sizeable cracks and holes on both sides of the street. Trees are also visible along the street between the street and sidewalk on 1-49 % of the block face. There is heavy strewn garbage and litter in the street. With garbage, one can evaluate clothes, broken glass and papers on the block face.

There are some rundown cars. Local authorities have installed some facilities for people. Public courtesies like public phones,vending machines and newspaper dispenser present on the street. Furniture such as bike racks, bus stop with seating and benches for sitting has also been installed. Sign indicating a bike path can easily be seen. The frontage of street-level land is used for parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities. The environment was friendly, smooth, and peaceful. It was a sunny Sunday. People of the society belong to the different communities, ethnic groups and nationalities such as, white, black, Britain, Indian and Chinese and ...