Every functioning society is held together by an invisible framework that dictates how people interact, what they strive for, and how they distinguish right from wrong.
In sociology, this framework is built upon two pillars: Values and Norms.
To understand social system, we must first differentiate between values and the (norms).
Values
Values are broad, abstract principles or standards that a society considers desirable, important, and right.
They are “why” behind our behavior.
- Examples are Freedom, equality, honesty, achievement, and collectivism.
- They function as to provide ultimate goals for a society and serve as criteria by which we judge our own actions and those of others.
Norms
Norms are specific, established rules of behavior or expectations that develop from a society’s values.
- Examples: Stopping at a red light, saying “please,” or wearing specific attire to a funeral.
- They function as to provide a script for daily life, ensuring that social interactions are predictable and stable.
Relationship Between Values and Norms
Values and norms work in a hierarchy.
A value is a general concept, while a norm is a specific application of that concept.
| Value | Corresponding Norm |
| Privacy | Do not read someone else’s mail or text messages. |
| Education | Children must attend school and complete homework. |
| Health | No smoking in public indoor spaces. |
| Respect for Elders | Using formal titles when addressing older generations. |
Categories of Social Norms
Sociologists generally categorize norms into four types, ranging from casual expectations to strict legal requirements:
Folkways:
- Casual norms for everyday interaction.
- Breaking them might result in a weird look but rarely a severe punishment (e.g., eating pizza with a fork).
Mores (Mor-ays):
- Norms that have great moral significance.
- Breaking these is seen as a threat to society’s stability (e.g., dishonesty in business).
Taboos:
- Norms so strong that their violation is considered disgusting or unthinkable
Laws:
- Norms that are formally inscribed and enforced by state agencies.
Functions of Values and Norms
In any social system, norms and values perform three critical functions:
To maintain social integration
- They act as a “social glue.”
- When members of a group share the same values and follow the same norms, it creates a sense of belonging and solidarity.
- This consensus minimizes conflict and allows for large-scale cooperation.
For social control
- To maintain order, societies use sanctions.
- These are rewards for conforming to norms (positive sanctions) or punishments for violating them (negative sanctions).
To maintain predictability and stability
- Without norms, social life would be chaotic.
- Because we know “rules of the game,” we can navigate complex environments—like a busy city street or a corporate office—with the confidence that others will behave in a predictable manner.
Cultural Differences
- It is important to note that norms and values are not static.
- They vary across cultures (cultural relativity) and evolve over time.
- For example, value of “gender equality” has significantly shifted norms regarding workforce and domestic life over last century.
Key Insight: A social system remains healthy as long as its norms stay aligned with its values. When a gap emerges between what a society says it values and how it actually behaves (anomie), social tension and instability often follow.