The Role and Influence of Social Norms in Shaping Human Behavior

We navigate the world guided by an invisible yet powerful force: social norms. These unwritten rules dictate how we dress, speak, interact, and even think. They are the unspoken expectations that shape our behavior, often without us even realizing it. From queuing in line to saying “please” and “thank you,” social norms provide a framework for social interaction, creating a sense of order and predictability. We learn these norms through observation, imitation, and social feedback, internalizing them to such an extent that they become second nature. This unconscious integration is so pervasive that we often mistake socially constructed behaviors for natural or innate tendencies.  

While social norms can foster cohesion and facilitate social interaction, they also have a darker side. When adhered to blindly, without critical examination, they can stifle individuality, perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and negatively impact our well-being. The pressure to conform can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depression when individuals feel unable to meet societal expectations. Furthermore, social norms can reinforce systemic inequalities, limiting opportunities for certain groups and perpetuating discriminatory practices. This article will delve into the complex world of social norms, exploring how we acquire them, the subtle ways they influence our lives, and the potential harm they can inflict when they become rigid and unquestioned.

Understanding Social Norms

Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern the behavior of individuals within a society or group. These norms are deeply ingrained in the fabric of social interactions and play a crucial role in maintaining social order and cohesion. We are “a highly social species, we are very sensitive to the actions and opinions of others and can be deeply affected by them—lowering our self-opinion and our happiness” (Trivers, 2011). Accordingly, the human brain is highly adept at reading and acting within social norms. These innate skills, when functioning normally, help individuals smoothly operate within larger social circles, gaining the benefits of others.

Understanding social norms is essential for comprehending how societies function and how individuals navigate their social environments. This understanding will also help individuals detect when their automatic reactions to social environments is motivating unhealthy behaviors to belong, even when those behaviors violate personal ethical and moral standards.

The Definition and Nature of Social Norms

Social norms are shared standards of acceptable behavior that are upheld by a group or society. They encompass a wide range of behaviors, from everyday etiquette to moral and ethical standards. These norms can be explicit, such as laws and regulations, or implicit, such as customs and traditions. Social norms are learned through socialization, where individuals internalize the values and expectations of their culture.

Islam Borinca, Mario Sainz, and Theofilos Gkinopoulos explain:

“Social norms form the foundational principles that govern societal expectations and behaviors. They act as guiding forces that direct individuals in how to interact with and relate to outgroup members. Understanding social norms is essential for comprehending the nuanced dynamics that impact human relationships, specifically intergroup relations, and that contribute to either overall harmony or discord within and between societies” (Borinca et al., 2024).

Social norms apply to group expectations. This may apply to a nation, a place of employment, a family, or a social group. Basically, groups have expectations for members of their groups. Violation of those expectations lead to sanctions. Groups reward those who adhere to expectations. Han van Wietmarschen explains that social norms have a conditionality characteristic. He explains that, social norms exist or are in force because “they are accepted or endorsed in the relevant population or group” (Wietmarschen, 2024).

Wietmarschen explained social norms even apply to a population of mass transit riders, with unwritten rules such as not looking directly at other passengers.

The Formation and Enforcement of Social Norms

Social norms are formed through a complex interplay of socialization, communication, and reinforcement. They are often established by influential members of a society or group, such as leaders, elders, or opinion leaders. Social norms are communicated through various channels, including language, symbols, and behavior.

Social anxiety is theorized to be an adaptive evolutionary function to keep “a check on our antisocial impulses, keeping us from deviating from prevailing social norms.” Scott Strossel explains that the behavior “it promotes can preserve social comity and can keep us from being ostracized from the tribe” (Strossel, 2015).

Robert Sapolsky, a professor of biology, neurology, neurological sciences, and neurosurgery at Stanford University, explains that childhood development is where humans learn social norms. He wrote that childhood is “the time when cultures inculcate individuals into further propagating their culture.” Accordingly, the most important fact about genetics and culture is “the delayed maturation of the frontal cortex—the genetic programming for the young frontal cortex to be freer from genes than other brain regions, to be sculpted instead by environment, to sop up cultural norms” (Sapolsky, 2018).

More than Explicit Rules of Behavior

While we often champion the hero or heroine that disregards social norms and achieves some greater good, this perception of social norms may neglect the core underlying concept of social norms. They are much more than explicit rules. They exist within our unconscious mind, integrated into the way we think and judge. John Lawless argues that social norms structure individual’s “social landscape even before they form their own beliefs and preferences” (Lawless, 2023).

Enforcement of Social Norms

Once established, social norms are enforced through social sanctions. Positive sanctions, such as praise and rewards, reinforce compliance with norms, while negative sanctions, such as criticism and punishment, deter deviant behavior. The fear of social ostracism or disapproval is a powerful motivator for individuals to conform to social norms.

Sapolsky reports that the brain reward system rewards individuals for punishing norm violators (Sapolsky, 2018). We refer to this as the Schadenfreude effect. For example, when we see the driver of the red Tesla that sped by us on the freeway getting a speeding ticket, we smile.

Sapolsky adds that gossip is a tool groups use to punish norm violators.

The Role of Social Influence

Social influence plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of social norms. There are several mechanisms through which social influence operates:

• Conformity: This occurs when individuals adjust their behavior to align with the expectations of a group. Conformity is driven by the desire to fit in and be accepted by others.
• Compliance: Compliance involves changing one’s behavior in response to a direct request or instruction from another person. It is often motivated by the desire to avoid negative consequences or gain rewards.
• Obedience: Obedience is the act of following orders or instructions from an authority figure. It is influenced by the perceived legitimacy and power of the authority figure.

The Social Brain

The “social brain” refers to a network of interconnected brain regions that are involved in processing social information and regulating social behavior. John Cacioppo and William Patrick wrote, “The ‘social brain’ gave rise to the expanded cerebral cortex in humans because it gave an advantage to individuals who could:

• learn by social observation;
• recognize the shifting status of friends and foes;
• anticipate and coordinate efforts between two or more individuals, eventually relying on language to communicate with, reason with, teach, and deceive others;
• orchestrate relationships, ranging from pair bonds and families to friends, bands, and coalitions;
• navigate complex hierarchies, adhere to social norms, and absorb cultural developments;
• subjugate self-interest to the interest of the pair bond or social group in exchange for the possibility of long-term benefits;
• recruit support for the sanctioning of individuals who violate group norms;
• and do all this across time frames that stretch from the distant past to multiple possible futures” (Cacioppo & Patrick, 2008).

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The social brain, to be clear, is not a specific geographical region within the brain but a network of functions within the nervous system that help organisms navigate complex social interactions. The recognition and adoption of social norms plays a significant role in these functions. The social brain performs the following functions:

Detecting and Interpreting Social Cues

• Facial recognition: The fusiform face area (FFA) helps us recognize faces and interpret facial expressions, which are important cues for understanding social interactions and norms.
• Emotional processing: The amygdala plays a role in processing emotions, including those related to social situations, such as fear of social rejection or embarrassment.
• Theory of Mind: The temporoparietal junction (TPJ) is involved in understanding others’ mental states, intentions, and beliefs, which is crucial for grasping social norms and expectations.

Learning and Internalizing Social Norms

• Reward and punishment: The brain’s reward system, including the ventral striatum, is activated when we conform to social norms and receive social approval. Conversely, violating social norms can lead to social disapproval or punishment, which activates brain regions associated with negative emotions.
• Social learning: The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher-level cognitive functions, including social learning and decision-making. It helps us learn and internalize social norms through observation, imitation, and feedback.

Regulating Social Behavior

• Inhibition and control: The prefrontal cortex also plays a role in inhibiting behaviors that violate social norms. It helps us regulate our impulses and conform to social expectations. Daniel Goleman wrote that a great many of the people in prison are “arguably there because of neural deficits in the social brain, like impaired empathy and impulse control” (Goleman, 2007).
• Empathy and social connection: Brain regions involved in empathy, such as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), help us understand and share the feelings of others, which is important for maintaining social relationships and adhering to social norms that promote cooperation and prosocial behavior.

Summary of Social Brain Role in Perceiving and Following Social Norms

• Perceive and interpret social cues: Understand what behaviors are expected or appropriate in different social contexts.
• Learn and internalize social norms: Acquire and adopt the rules that govern social behavior.
• Regulate our behavior: Conform to social expectations and avoid behaviors that violate social norms.

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The social brain is constantly processing social information and adapting our behavior to fit within the social context. This highlights the powerful influence of social norms on our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how our brains are wired to navigate the social world.

The Impact of Social Norms on Behavior

Social norms have a profound impact on individual behavior and decision-making. They influence a wide range of actions, from everyday interactions to significant life choices. The impact of social norms can be observed in various contexts, including:

Health and Wellbeing

Social norms play a crucial role in shaping health behaviors. For instance, norms around smoking, drinking, and diet can significantly influence an individual’s health choices. Public health campaigns often aim to shift social norms to promote healthier behaviors.

Work and Organizational Behavior

In the workplace, social norms dictate professional conduct, teamwork, and organizational culture. Adherence to these norms is essential for maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment.

See Organizational Psychology for more on this topic

Social Relationships

Norms govern social interactions and relationships, from family dynamics to friendships and romantic partnerships. They provide guidelines for appropriate behavior and help navigate complex social situations. When someone violates norms, the group sanctions or punishes them for the violation. Sapolsky wrote, “Gossip is the weapon of norm enforcement” (Sapolsky, 2018).

See Human Connections for more on this topic

Internalized Rules of Behavior

Social norms are not limited to an agreed upon set of standards. Most social norms go unnoticed. We encounter social rules early in life, some say during our preschool years. We unknowingly integrate these silent rules into our being. Social norm violations activate the amygdala, arouses incidents of emotions that we experience as shame and guilt (Sapolsky, 2018).

Stefan Hofmann and Dr, Stacey M. Doan wrote:

“Emotions are more complex than concrete, biological entities; they depend on social concepts. From this angle, emotions are internal representations of social norms or rules; they are socialized schemas, cognitive frameworks that guide perception and the interpretation of a situation or behavior” (Hofmann & Doan, 2018).

Obedience, Conformity, and Social Norms

Blind adherence to social norms, without critical thought or consideration of individual circumstances, can have several detrimental effects. Firstly, it can stifle individuality and personal expression. When individuals feel pressured to conform to societal expectations, they may suppress their unique talents, interests, and perspectives, leading to a sense of inauthenticity and a lack of fulfillment. This can result in a society where conformity is valued over creativity and innovation, hindering progress and limiting the richness of human experience.

Furthermore, blind adherence to social norms can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and inequalities. Social norms are often based on historical biases and prejudices, and blindly following them can reinforce discriminatory practices and limit opportunities for certain groups. For example, traditional gender roles can restrict individuals’ career choices or personal aspirations, simply because those choices don’t align with societal expectations. Additionally, blindly accepting social norms can lead to a lack of critical thinking and questioning of existing power structures, which can hinder social progress and perpetuate injustice. It’s crucial to critically examine social norms and challenge those that are harmful or outdated to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dangers of Too Much Conformity

Rollo May explains that:

“Our particular problem in the present day, as we have seen, is an overwhelming tendency toward conformity. The radar-directed person, who is desperately trying to live by what the group expects of him, will obviously think of morality as ‘adjustment’ to the standards of his group. In such times ethics tend more and more to be identified with obedience. One is ‘good’ to the extent that one obeys the dictates of society and church” (May, 1953, p. 187).

Frighteningly, we willingly engage in activities that grossly violate our professed values because when surrounded by others accepting the same behaviors as justifiable they not only seem normal, they seem moral. Stanley Milgram stated that “if a system of death camps were set up in the US of the sorts we had seen in Nazi Germany one would be able to find sufficient personnel for those camps in any medium-sized American town” (Sapolsky, 2018).

Milgram’s Obedience to Authority

Stanley Milgram’s obedience experiments provide a stark illustration of how social norms, particularly those related to obedience to authority, can influence individual behavior, even when it conflicts with personal conscience.

Here’s how social norms played a role in Milgram’s findings:

• Norm of obedience to authority: In most societies, there’s a strong social norm to obey legitimate authority figures. This norm is ingrained in us from a young age, through family structures, educational systems, and societal institutions. In Milgram’s experiment, the “experimenter” in a lab coat represented a legitimate authority figure, and participants felt pressure to obey his instructions.
• Novel situation: The experimental setting was unfamiliar to participants, leading them to rely on external cues for appropriate behavior. The experimenter’s presence and scientific demeanor reinforced the perception that obedience was expected and necessary.
• Gradual escalation: The experiment involved a gradual increase in the severity of shocks, making it difficult for participants to pinpoint a clear point at which to disobey. This “foot-in-the-door” technique made it easier for them to continue obeying even when they felt uncomfortable.
• Diffusion of responsibility: The experimental setup allowed participants to diffuse responsibility for their actions onto the experimenter. They felt less personally responsible for the harm inflicted on the “learner” because they were simply following orders.

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Milgram’s experiments demonstrated the powerful influence of situational factors and social norms on individual behavior. Even when faced with a morally questionable task, many participants obeyed the authority figure due to the ingrained social norm of obedience.

See Milgram’s Conformity Studies for more these experiments

Changing Social Norms

While social norms are stable, they are not immutable. Social change, cultural evolution, and technological advancements can lead to shifts in social norms. Changing social norms can be challenging, as it requires altering deeply ingrained behaviors and beliefs. Changes in environments naturally create changes in social norms. For example, the introduction of the internet and social media has influenced new social norms. Anonymous interactions previously were limited. However, on social media we can brutally express opinions in a derogatory manner without looking into the eyes of those we hurt.

Just as long range missiles and drones have changed warfare social media has changed communication. Once the customary norms of social interaction were dismissed online, they quickly became acceptable in real world relationships. The insults once anonymously shared online now are indiscriminately flung with great fervor on our political stages. Instead of an honest debate over policies, candidates perform with a ‘mike drop’ mentality. These ugly charades are now are social norm, we absorb them without the slightest flinch.

We like to believe we are evolving. However, history has shown that humans often experience periods of deterioration.

However, it is possible through targeted interventions and collective efforts to reintroduce civility, ostracizing those that don’t know how to play in the sandbox with others.

Strategies for Changing Social Norms

Several strategies can be employed to improve social norms:

• Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the negative consequences of certain behaviors and promoting alternative behaviors through education can shift social norms.
• Role Models and Influencers: Influential individuals and role models can lead by example and inspire others to adopt new norms.
• Policy and Regulation: Implementing policies and regulations that support desired behaviors can create an environment conducive to norm change.
• Community Engagement: Involving communities in the process of norm change ensures that the new norms are culturally relevant and widely accepted.

The Future of Social Norms

As societies continue to evolve, social norms will inevitably change. The future of social norms will be shaped by various factors, including globalization, technological advancements, and cultural exchange. Understanding and navigating these changes will be essential for fostering social cohesion and promoting positive social behavior.

Borinca, Sainz, and Gkinopoulos warn, “For a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges that individuals and societies nowadays face, focusing on the multifaceted role of social norms and peace in dealing with these challenges is vital” (Borinca et al., 2024).

The greatest human tragedies occur, not because of a rogue madman behaves irreprehensible, but because adjusted social norms allow for a madman to act in reprehensible ways without public scrutiny and ostracization. We improve social norms by beginning a new wave of behaviors, carefully scrutinizing which posts we like and share, voting for politicians that display ethics and morals, and by cultivating better inner dictates for our own behaviors.

Associated Concepts

• Role Theory: This theory seeks to explain how individuals understand and act out their social roles in society. According to this theory, each person has a set of roles that they fulfill, which are defined by a specific position or status in a social group or organization. These roles come with expectations, norms, and behaviors that are associated with them.
• Asch Conformity Experiment: These studies conducted by psychologist Solomon Asch in the 1950s aimed to investigate the extent to which social pressure from a majority group could influence a person to conform.
• Groupthink Theory: Developed by Irving Janis, groupthink occurs when a cohesive group prioritizes consensus over critical thinking. Members suppress dissenting opinions to maintain harmony. Groupthink can lead to flawed decisions and lack of creativity.
• Stanford Prison Experiment: This study, conducted by Philip Zimbardo in 1971, explored the psychological impact of power dynamics within a simulated prison. The study was terminated early due to abusive behavior and raised ethical concerns.
• Spiral of Silence Theory: This theory developed by German political scientist Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann explains how people remain silent when they perceive their views as the minority. Fear of isolation and the influence of media shape this behavior.
• Imposter Syndrome: This refers to a psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud,’ despite external evidence of their competence. This phenomenon is often accompanied by feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-confidence.

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

In exploring the intricate web of social norms, we uncover their profound influence on our daily lives and interactions. These unwritten rules shape not only our behavior but also the very fabric of society, guiding us in everything from simple etiquette to complex moral decisions. As we navigate through various social contexts—be it at work, home, or in public—we often find ourselves subconsciously adhering to these standards. The power of social norms lies in their ability to create a sense of order and predictability; however, they can also stifle individuality and perpetuate harmful stereotypes when left unexamined.

As we reflect on the dual nature of social norms—as both facilitators of cohesion and potential barriers to personal expression—it becomes clear that critical examination is essential for progressive change. By fostering awareness and challenging outdated expectations, individuals can reclaim their autonomy while contributing to a more inclusive society. In doing so, we recognize that understanding social norms is not merely an academic pursuit; it is a vital step toward cultivating environments where creativity flourishes alongside ethical practices. Thus, as we continue this journey into the realm of human behavior, let us be mindful architects of our own societal landscapes—encouraging dialogue that embraces diversity while promoting collective well-being.

Last Update: September 30, 2025