Sociology / Unit 3 Soc 0307 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Formal and Informal Norms
Captions available
The idea
Formal norms are written down and enforced by an authority; informal norms are unwritten, learned by observation, and enforced by everyone present.
In practice
A speed limit is formal. Not standing too close to a stranger in an empty lift is informal.
Where people slip
Students assume formal norms enforce hardest, but jaywalking laws show a formal norm laxly enforced while personal space is policed constantly.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
Something wrong in this lesson? Flag it · Sources for Sociology