Khushi Naik
There are a million ways people can influence our behavior, but one that stands out most is when society tends to expect people to behave in a particular manner. Right from our childhood we learn about different social norms to be accepted in the society. From shaking hands when you meet someone to saying “bless you” when someone sneezes, these rules become unspoken as everyone knows how to act as proper individual as we grow up.
Each social situation elicits its own set of expectations which can vary from group to group. In a way it becomes apparent when we look at the various roles that an individual plays in society and social group e.g. son, brother, students, worker, friend, etc. Each social role carries its own expected behavior.
One of the major advantages of having social norms is that it sustains ancestral and cultural values. Moreover, they are great tools to keep people in control and to maintain power in a country by increasing the level of kindness in society. It also gives a sense of security and people consider them a valuable member of the society.
Although it has some advantages, it still contributes to serious issues like loss of individuality and people being likeminded. There’s also Lack of diversity as socially not acceptable lifestyles are considered to be dodgy and are devalued. Due to fear of society people don’t live their lives to the fullest, which makes them more dependent. It has also caused discrimination of minorities and created social isolations which eventually lead to mental health issues.
Social norms affect people in different ways; it varies from person to person. The world today is changing and growing, some norms are suitable whereas a high number of norms are obsolete. We need to develop our own value system rather than relying on something that promotes inappropriate society rules. Only then it is possible to live our life according to the values that matter instead of just behaving like a puppet in the society.
(Writer is a student at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
