Functions of Social Norms: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

Question 1

Which of the following is not a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Suppressing individual creativity

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Providing a sense of belonging

Answer

Promoting cooperation

Question 2

What is the main function of social norms in preserving social order?

Accepted Answer

Defining behavioral expectations

Answer

Ensuring compliance through penalties

Answer

Encouraging societal conformity

Answer

Fostering innovation and societal change

Question 3

When is a social norm most likely to be violated?

Accepted Answer

When the norm is no longer meaningful or relevant

Answer

When there is intense social pressure to conform

Answer

When the consequences for breaking the norm are severe

Answer

When social cohesion is high

Question 4

How do social norms differ across various cultures?

Accepted Answer

They reflect the values and beliefs specific to each culture

Answer

They remain universally consistent across all cultures

Answer

They are determined by the economic and political structures of each culture

Answer

They are not influenced by cultural factors

Question 5

A potential downside of social norms is that they can sometimes result in:

Accepted Answer

Suppression of individuality

Answer

Enhanced cooperation

Answer

Increased social stability

Answer

Protection from harm

Question 6

Despite personal disagreement, why might someone conform to a social norm against public nudity?

Accepted Answer

To fit in and avoid being rejected

Answer

To follow what they believe is right

Answer

To avoid legal trouble

Answer

To lack knowledge of other options

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Promoting individuality

Answer

Maintaining order

Answer

Fostering belonging

Answer

Encouraging cooperation

Question 8

Social norms are primarily enforced through:

Accepted Answer

A combination of the above

Answer

Formal institutions

Answer

Informal sanctions

Answer

Government regulations

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Punishing individuals who deviate from the norm

Answer

Establishing and maintaining social order

Answer

Promoting a sense of belonging

Answer

Encouraging cooperation

Question 10

Social norms are created and transmitted through various mechanisms. Which of the following is NOT one of these mechanisms?

Accepted Answer

Genetic inheritance

Answer

Formal laws and regulations

Answer

Informal social sanctions

Answer

Education and socialization

Question 11

Prescriptive norms are a type of social norm that:

Accepted Answer

Define acceptable behaviors and encourage conformity

Answer

Prohibit certain behaviors and discourage non-conformity

Answer

Describe customary behaviors that are widely practiced

Answer

Provide guidelines for appropriate conduct in specific situations

Question 12

Which type of social norm is often unwritten and based on tradition?

Accepted Answer

Folkways

Answer

Mores

Answer

Taboos

Answer

Laws

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a proscriptive social norm?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding public nudity

Answer

Saying 'please' and 'thank you'

Answer

Voting in elections

Answer

Paying taxes

Question 14

Throughout history, social norms surrounding gender expression have evolved. Explain this evolution, providing specific historical examples.

Accepted Answer

Historically, gender roles were rigidly defined and enforced, but today there is greater acceptance of diverse gender expressions.

Answer

Social norms around gender expression have remained unchanged throughout history, with individuals expected to adhere to traditional roles.

Answer

Social norms around gender expression are solely determined by biological factors and have not changed over time.

Answer

Social norms around gender expression have no impact on individuals' lives or experiences.

Question 15

Which process is crucial in shaping individual actions and creating a shared social reality?

Accepted Answer

Socialization

Answer

Cognitive Growth

Answer

Classical Conditioning

Answer

Observational Learning

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging individual actions that benefit the greater good

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Fostering a sense of belonging within a group

Answer

Promoting cooperation among individuals

Question 17

Analyze the ethical considerations surrounding social norms. Discuss the complexities of balancing conformity to social norms with upholding personal values.

Accepted Answer

The ethical implications of social norms vary based on the context and nature of the norm.

Answer

Social norms are inherently ethical and should be obeyed unconditionally.

Answer

Personal values should always override social norms, irrespective of the situation.

Answer

Striking a balance between conforming to social norms and adhering to personal values is unattainable.

Question 18

What is the defining characteristic of social norms that sets them apart from other types of rules or expectations?

Accepted Answer

Unofficial guidelines that regulate behavior within a social group

Answer

Legally enforceable rules imposed by authorities

Answer

Individual beliefs and values held by people

Question 19

How do social norms contribute to the formation of a shared identity and a sense of unity within groups?

Accepted Answer

Social norms provide individuals with clear guidelines for behavior, helping them define their identities within their social groups

Answer

Social norms weaken group cohesion by emphasizing conformity and suppressing individuality.

Answer

Social norms only apply to small, close-knit groups and do not influence behavior in larger societal groups.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a primary purpose of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order, fostering belonging, and promoting cooperation

Answer

Encouraging individualistic behavior and suppressing societal rules

Answer

Protecting individuals from legal consequences and social disapproval

Answer

Creating conflict and distrust among individuals within society

Question 21

How do social norms contribute to maintaining stability within society?

Accepted Answer

By providing clear expectations for behavior and reducing uncertainty

Answer

By eliminating conflicts and punishing rule-breakers

Answer

By promoting social isolation and discouraging cooperation

Answer

By undermining trust and increasing rates of crime

Question 22

Which type of social norm emphasizes the importance of shared values and beliefs within a group?

Accepted Answer

Mores

Answer

Folkways

Answer

Taboos

Answer

Laws

Question 23

How do social norms promote cooperation and trust in society?

Accepted Answer

By establishing expectations for behavior and creating a sense of reciprocity

Answer

By encouraging competition and rewarding self-interest

Answer

By isolating individuals who do not conform to expected behaviors

Answer

By promoting social conflict and distrust

Question 24

Which of the following is not a potential consequence of violating social norms?

Accepted Answer

Increased social status

Answer

Social disapproval or exclusion

Answer

Legal consequences

Answer

Loss of trust and respect

Question 25

How do social norms protect individuals within society?

Accepted Answer

By preventing harmful behaviors and providing a sense of safety and predictability

Answer

By encouraging reckless behavior and reducing social cohesion

Answer

By promoting social inequality and discrimination

Answer

By isolating individuals who do not conform to societal expectations

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a folkway?

Accepted Answer

Saying 'please' and 'thank you'

Answer

Not stealing

Answer

Punishing murder

Answer

Following religious rituals

Question 27

How do social norms influence individual behavior and choices?

Accepted Answer

By providing guidelines for acceptable conduct and shaping social expectations

Answer

By encouraging individuals to act impulsively and without regard for others

Answer

By promoting social isolation and reducing self-esteem

Answer

By undermining personal responsibility and accountability

Question 28

Which of the following factors can influence the strength and prevalence of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Cultural values, social institutions, and historical context

Answer

Personal preferences and individual beliefs

Answer

Government regulations and laws

Answer

Technological advancements and economic conditions

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Encourage social isolation and individualism

Answer

Maintain social order and stability

Answer

Promote cooperation and teamwork

Answer

Foster a sense of belonging and shared identity

Question 30

How can social norms be strategically utilized by policymakers and organizations to drive positive social change?

Accepted Answer

Leveraging social norms for change requires understanding their functions and mechanisms of influence.

Answer

Social norms are inflexible and cannot be modified to promote positive social change.

Answer

Positive social change cannot be driven through the strategic use of social norms.

Answer

Only informal community-based initiatives can effectively harness social norms for positive change.

Question 31

How do social norms differ in their strictness, how obvious they are, and how much people accept them across different groups and cultures?

Accepted Answer

Social norms can be more or less strict, obvious, and accepted depending on the group or culture.

Answer

Social norms never change.

Answer

Social norms have the same purpose in every society.

Answer

Social norms are always written down and enforced by the government.

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging individual autonomy

Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Facilitating social interaction

Answer

Protecting vulnerable individuals

Question 33

Which of the following is a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Provide guidance and maintain social order

Answer

Encourage unconstrained individual creativity

Answer

Promote economic growth

Answer

Suppress dissent

Question 34

In what way do social norms foster a sense of belonging?

Accepted Answer

By providing shared expectations and values that unite individuals

Answer

By promoting social inequality and creating divisions within society

Answer

By punishing non-conformity and isolating those who deviate

Answer

By encouraging competition and individualism, reducing the emphasis on collective identity

Question 35

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies the function of norms in promoting cooperation?

Accepted Answer

People waiting their turn in a line for a bus

Answer

A group of friends arguing and failing to reach a consensus on their plans

Answer

A politician breaking a campaign promise to gain favor with a particular constituency

Answer

A company laying off employees to reduce costs and increase profits

Question 36

How do social norms protect individuals?

Accepted Answer

By establishing boundaries and limits, providing a sense of security and safety

Answer

By providing an illusion of personal freedom and autonomy

Answer

By encouraging people to take unnecessary risks and disregard their own well-being

Answer

By eliminating the need for laws and enforcement, allowing for complete self-governance

Question 37

What is a likely consequence of violating social norms?

Accepted Answer

Social disapproval, criticism, or exclusion

Answer

Increased social status and prestige

Answer

Physical punishment or imprisonment

Question 38

In what manner do social norms influence human behavior?

Accepted Answer

By shaping expectations and providing guidelines for appropriate conduct

Answer

By directly controlling people's thoughts, desires, and actions

Answer

By guaranteeing individual autonomy and freedom from societal constraints

Answer

By forcing people to conform to all societal expectations, regardless of their personal beliefs

Question 39

Which of the following is an example of an informal social norm?

Accepted Answer

Using polite language, such as saying 'please' and 'thank you'

Answer

Criminal laws that are formally written and enforced by the government

Answer

Mandatory school attendance, a requirement imposed by educational institutions

Answer

Speed limits on highways, regulations set by transportation authorities

Question 40

How do social norms contribute to societal stability?

Accepted Answer

They provide predictability and reduce uncertainty, facilitating smooth social interactions

Answer

They eliminate the need for social institutions, allowing individuals to self-govern

Answer

They encourage social change and rebellion, challenging established norms and values

Question 41

What is a potential limitation of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They can be rigid and difficult to change, sometimes hindering social progress

Answer

They only apply to specific social groups and are irrelevant to others

Answer

They always lead to positive outcomes and never have any negative consequences

Answer

They are universally accepted across all cultures and never vary

Question 42

How are social norms commonly enforced?

Accepted Answer

Through social sanctions and rewards, such as approval, disapproval, praise, or ostracism

Answer

Only through formal legal punishment imposed by the government

Answer

By relying solely on individual conscience and personal morality

Answer

Through direct intervention by supernatural beings or divine forces

Question 43

Which of the following is a primary function of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social order

Answer

Protecting the natural environment

Answer

Enhancing economic prosperity

Answer

Preventing international conflicts

Question 44

How do social norms foster a sense of belonging?

Accepted Answer

By providing guidelines for acceptable and appropriate behavior

Answer

By restricting individual rights and freedoms

Answer

By expecting conformity to societal standards

Answer

By promoting competition among individuals

Question 45

Which of the following is a positive consequence of social norms?

Accepted Answer

Promoting cooperation and collaboration

Answer

Perpetuating social inequality and injustice

Answer

Creating social conflicts and tensions

Answer

Limiting individual creativity and expression

Question 46

How do social norms protect individuals?

Accepted Answer

By establishing norms that guide safe and acceptable behavior

Answer

By limiting access to resources and opportunities

Answer

By preventing individuals from exercising their personal freedoms

Question 47

Which of the following is an example of a formal social norm?

Accepted Answer

A law prohibiting speeding on public roads

Answer

A taboo against eating certain foods

Answer

A belief that stealing is morally wrong

Answer

A custom of shaking hands as a greeting

Question 48

How do social norms influence deviance?

Accepted Answer

By defining what is considered deviant and establishing consequences for violating norms

Answer

By preventing all forms of deviant behavior from occurring

Answer

By encouraging individuals to conform to all social norms, even those they disagree with

Question 49

Which of the following is a criticism of social norms?

Accepted Answer

They can potentially restrict individual freedom and creativity

Answer

They are always based on sound moral principles

Answer

They are universally accepted and obeyed by all members of society

Question 50

How do social norms change and evolve?

Accepted Answer

Through social interactions, technological advancements, cultural diffusion, and other societal influences

Answer

Only through formal legal processes and policy changes

Answer

They remain static and unchanging over time

Question 51

Which of the following is an example of an informal social norm?

Accepted Answer

A custom of saying "thank you" when receiving a gift or favor

Answer

A law against driving under the influence of alcohol

Answer

A belief that murder is morally wrong

Question 52

How do social norms contribute to social control?

Accepted Answer

By providing implicit rules and expectations that guide behavior and maintain social order

Answer

By relying solely on formal laws and punishments to regulate behavior

Answer

By suppressing all forms of individual expression and creativity