100 Examples of Social Norms (Tips for Students) 2024

Here is an article that discusses important examples of social norms.

Social norms are the guiding rules that every human understands without any verbal directions. Everyone raised in a home understands it’s important to respect either parents or guidance.

It’s inappropriate not to cover your mouth when you cough or cut someone in line. Abiding by these common rules of covering your mouth when you cough and waiting in line for your turn shows that you understand the value of social norms.

Social norms are the basic rules everyone follows to avoid unnecessary criticism. Stay with us as we discuss examples of social norms.

Social norms are the natural rules that guide a group’s behaviour and how they interact with each other.

Generally, there are some social norms we are fully aware of and don’t need to think about them. Our conscience automatically guides us in doing the right things.

Examples of social norms include speaking quietly in a library, respecting elders, and saying thank you when someone helps you. Every student understands the most why it’s important not to speak loudly in the library.

Violating societal norms can sometimes attract unnecessary criticism. You will be regarded as a rude person if you decide to cut people in line. The library is not a place where you can speak loudly as well.

Appreciating little things by saying thank you and respecting your elders shows that you understand the values of social norms.

Also Read: 20 Best Examples of Culture (Tips for Students)

100 Examples of Social Norms

These are things you say to people you interact with on a daily basis.

General Social Norms

#1. Saying “thank you” and “please”.

#2. Greeting people when you meet them.

#3. Shaking hands when greeting friends or someone.

#4. Being kind enough to hold the door open for other people.

#5. Offering to help a friend or someone carrying heavy items.

#6. Speaking quietly when in public places.

#7. Waiting in line like everybody else.

#8. Standing up for someone once he or she enters the room.

#9. Avoiding rumours and gossip.

#10. Paying for goods or services politely.

#11. Asking other people about their interests.

#12. Dispose of trash properly.

#13. Complementing others when they succeed.

#14. Saying “I’m sorry when you offend someone or make a mistake.

#15. Participating in any group activity and helping others.

#16. Arriving on time during important meetings and engagements.

#17. Respecting the authority of important figures.

#18. Being supportive towards helping in their time of need.

#19. Avoiding interrupting other people when they are talking.

#20. Respecting and being kind to other people, irrespective of their social class, ethnic background, sexuality, or religion.

#21. Being friendly and welcoming to guests, accepting them into your home or at your workplace.

#22. Smiling and paying attention to people when you having a conversation with them.

#23. Giving up your seat for the elderly or pregnant women when you are in a public space or vehicle.

#24. Putting your pet animal on a leash when you are in public spaces.

#25. Cooperating with other people to arrive at a conclusion.

Social Norms for Students

The school educates both pupils and students on how to interact with others and respect authority. Going to school broadens your knowledge as a person.

As a student, there are things you are not supposed to do and you are expected to act like a student. Below are examples of social norms for students.

#26. Coming to class prepared and arriving on time.

#27. Doing your homework and submitting it on time.

#28. Listening to teachers in and outside the classroom.

#29. Staying quiet in class and not disturbing the teacher or other students.

#30. Partaking in class discussions and offering your honest opinion.

#31. Respecting your teachers and classmate.

#32. Abiding by the school’s rules and regulations.

#33. Behaving appropriately while in class and using appropriate language.

#34. Ask your teacher for permission to be excused when you want to use the bathroom.

#35. Raising your hand when you want to ask a question.

#36. Waiting patiently for your turn before you speak.

#37. Avoid cheating during a test or exams, and don’t plagiarize.

#38. Always keep your workspace clean.

#39. Respect other students and do not bully, body shame, or intimidate them.

#40. Pay attention at all times when in class, and always take notes.

Also Read: Prices for Driving Schools (How to get the best deal)

Gender Social Norms

Generally, some social norms are related to being a woman. Here are examples of social norms for women.

#41. Speaking gently and not too loud.

#42. Being polite and having good manners.

#43. Avoid doing any physical labour.

#44. Allowing men to lead in challenging situations.

#45. Always dressing in feminine clothing rather than doing the opposite.

Here are some of the social norms that are related to being a man.

#46. Protecting and providing for other people who are seen as the weaker vessel.

#47. Always dressing in masculine clothing instead of dressing in feminine clothing.

#48. Speaking with a masculine voice and taking up spaces.

#49. Leading and taking charge of a difficult situation.

#50. Being confident and engaging in physical labour.

Social Norms in Other Countries around the World.

Every nation on the surface of the earth has its culture, social norms, and traditions. These social norms are important in these countries, and those visiting these nations can learn these societal norms.

#51. In a country like Japan, it’s customary for people to remove their shoes before entering a person’s home.

#52. In France, kissing someone on both cheeks when you meet is regarded as being polite.

#53. In Italy, it’s common for someone to kiss another person on both checks as a sign of saying hello or goodbye.

#54. In a place like China, it’s customary not to eat all your food. You need to leave some food on the plate as a sign of respect for the cook.

#55. When you are in India, avoid showing the soles of your feet or pointing your feet at people, as it is regarded as rude and disrespectful.

#56. In a country like Spain, it’s customary to refer to the elderly as “Don” or “Dona”.

#57. In Germany, it’s normal to shake hands with both men and women when you meet.

#58. In a country like Iceland, it’s considered polite to show appreciation after every meal by saying “thank you” (Takk).

#59. In Argentina, people hug and kiss each other on both cheeks as a sign of saying hello or goodbye.

#60. One of the social norms in Thailand is removing your shoes when entering someone’s home or a temple.

Social Norm While Dining Out.

While growing up, we were told not to talk while eating to avoid choking on the food. That is just one of the table manners you should know.

#61. Always remain in your seat until everyone is served.

#62. Show good table manners by using your napkin.

#63. Avoid chewing food with your mouth wide open.

#64. Avoid speaking when your mouth is full.

#65. Always drink from a glass and not from a bottle.

#66. Ask for more bread or butter that you can eat.

#67. Try leaving a tip when the food tastes good and you feel satisfied with the service.

#68. Always appreciate the person serving you at your table when you are finished.

#69. Avoid criticizing the food or service.

#70. Keep your elbows off the table and ensure you use the appropriate cutleries when eating.

Also Read: 20 Best Subculture Examples (Tips for Students)

Social Norms with Family

#71. Appreciate every member of the family and say “thank you” when someone helps you.

#72. Treating every member of the household with respect.

#73. Doing domestic chores without being asked to do them.

#74. Respecting the privacy of members of the family.

#75. Appreciating the dedicated effort and sacrifice made by your parents or guardians.

#76. Listening and not interrupting your parents or guardian when they speak.

#77. Appreciate what you have.

#78. Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions with the family.

#79. Keeping the family’s secret.

#80. Participating in the family’s tradition.

Social Norms While Using Your Phone

Here are some social norms to consider when using your phone.

#81. Always put your phone on silent or vibrate mood when you are at important meetings or gatherings.

#82. Avoid picking up or making calls while driving/.

#83. Switch off your phone when you are having a conversation with someone.

#84. Always put your phone on aeroplane mode whenever you are flying.

#85. Avoid peeking at someone else’s phone.

#86. Avoid texting your friends or loved ones while driving.

#87. Do not make or receive calls while in class.

#88. Make sure your ringtone is not offensive, while in a public place or around children.

#89. Do not use your phone while in a movie theatre.

Also Read: 45 Best Talent Examples (Tips for students)

Social Norms While Driving

#90. Always obey traffic laws.

#91. Avoid violating traffic laws and traffic wardens.

#92. Avoid using your cell phone while driving.

#93. Coming to a full stop at stop signs or red lights.

#94. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

#95. Allow other drivers to overtake or switch lanes.

#96. Always signal to other drivers when you want to make a turn or switch lanes.

#97. Allow pedestrians to cross.

#98. Avoid playing loud music while driving.

#99. Always use a seatbelt while driving.

#100. Pay attention while driving and avoid any form of distraction.

Conclusion

Social norms are the guiding rules that every human understands without any verbal directions. Generally, everyone should be aware of social norms in different situations.

Recommendations

References

helpfulprofessor.com: 102 Examples Of Social Norms (List)
simplysociology.com: Examples Of Social Norms & Societal Standards: Including Cultural Norms

What Are Social Norms?