Key Sociological Concepts: Norms, Culture, Values, Control

Social Norms: Expected Behaviors in Society

Norms are the expected behaviors in a society that tell us how to act in different situations. They are not written down, but we learn them through family, school, and the media. For example, in the UK, it is a norm to:

• Queue and wait your turn
• Say "please" and "thank you"

These behaviors are seen as polite and respectful. Norms help keep society organized and help people understand what is acceptable. They can also change depending on the culture; for example, in some countries, it’s normal to eat with your hands, which may be unusual in the UK.

High Culture: Status, Arts, and Social Class

High culture refers to cultural products and activities that are seen as being of high status and linked to the upper or middle class. It often includes things like:

• Classical music
• Opera
• Ballet
• Fine art

For example, going to the theater to watch a Shakespeare play or visiting an art gallery to view famous paintings are seen as part of high culture. These activities are often viewed as more sophisticated and are usually enjoyed by people with more money or higher education. High culture is different from popular culture, which is more common and enjoyed by most people in everyday life.

Societal Values: Beliefs, Morals, and Behavior

Values are the important beliefs and ideas that people in a society see as right and desirable. They guide our behavior and help us decide what is good or bad. For example, most people in the UK value honesty, so lying is usually seen as wrong. Other common values include:

• Honesty
• Respect (especially towards others or people in authority like teachers or the police)

Values are passed down through socialization, like from family or education, and they can be different in other cultures. For example, some cultures value tradition more strongly than others.

Formal Social Control: Law, Order, and Punishment

Formal social control is when people’s behavior is controlled by official organizations and rules, like the police, courts, or the government. These organizations have the power to punish people if they break laws or rules.

For example:

• If someone steals, the police can arrest them, and the courts can send them to prison.
• Schools use formal social control by giving detentions or suspensions for bad behavior.

Formal social control helps keep order in society by making sure people follow laws and behave properly.