Why We Behave The Way We Do? Acceptable Social Behavior.

A loan shark lends out money at high interest. The payee accepts the payment terms due to the desperate nature of his circumstances. When the agreement is not met, the stand over man who is in the business of collecting money by any means possible will come knocking. In most circumstances this is not acceptable social behavior.

When the tough guy is around his mother, grandparents or other family members, a different behavior is necessary. It would not be acceptable to behave in the same manner he does whilst at work.

This highlights that we behave according to the environment we are surrounded by. When the setting changes so does our conduct. We adapt to the social situation in order to fit in.

We learn cultural norms, rules and patterns of acceptable and non-acceptable behavior that dictate how we operate within society and various groups to which we belong.  (Training in Australia – M.D Tovey & D. Lawlor P. 55).

We are comfortable with social etiquette as it is an indicator that everything is under control. It is a standard of behaviour that creates a safe and protected environment.

Social norms are what keep society functioning. Whether we are aware of it or not we embrace these unsaid rules of behavior.

Social norms are what keep society functioning. Whether we are aware of it or not we embrace these unsaid rules. @thedigger0 Share on X

Why do we have social norms?

When people operate outside of these social norms our comfort zones are disturbed and this alerts us that trouble could be on its way. This may insult our sensors with disgust, fascination, relief, make us feel uncomfortable or even scared. Regardless of how we feel we become watchful and cautious over something that does not fit in with what is socially acceptable.

People stand out when their behavior is not in accordance with social standards.

When someone starts yelling in public it captures our attention.

We visit restaurants to enjoy a meal and the company of others. We do not dine out to be annoyed or disturbed by children that have been allowed to run wild. This directs our attention to the parents.  Who should be controlling their childs behavior in a social situation.

When someone cry’s in public it is noticeable. It is rare we see this emotion displayed openly. However tears at a funeral are more than acceptable.

We don’t fart in public without feeling a little self-conscious. This noise and smell receives many different reactions. Examples are giggles, embarrassment or disgust.  Yet most of the time we pretend it did not happen. How odd as research highlights every one of us perform this natural explosion up to at least 14 times a day.

When you hear a child chucking a tantrum, it is hard to ignore. It generally causes us to watch for a second or two and think about the situation. However if the child carriers on for too long we can’t wait to distance ourselves from such a disruption.

You and seven others are invited to a dinner party. You know all of these people except for one. When dinner is served, everyone begins to eat their meal with their knives and forks.  However that person you just met starts consuming the meal with their hands. What would be your impression of this person?

Waiting to be served at a bank, in a grocery store or to order food; we stand behind one another. It is logical to do this. When someone attempts to jump the line and demands immediate service, those who have waited patiently may respond negatively.

Social control to enforce acceptable social behaviors.

CCTV’s are an example of social control. Surveillance has become an acceptable way of life. There is comfort knowing those who are not conforming will be monitored and recorded for not following the rules.

However it is a disturbing realization that it is necessary for these devices to be a part of society due to the rise in anti-social behavior.

Some social customs frighten us.

They say if a woman is attached in the streets she has more hope of receiving assistance by yelling fire than screaming for help. Most people don’t like to be involved when the norm is broken. Because the outcome is unpredictable. But fire has the potential of affecting a number of people so action is likely to happen.

When we see someone talking to themselves (especially out loud), we continue on our way, but we do make a mental note that something is not right with them. However since hands free phones have been developed we see a lot more people talking to themselves and feel relief when we see they have an ear piece attached to their phone.

People hanging out in the street. The atmosphere changes when two gangs arrive in the vicinity. This alerts those friends and associates that trouble is on its way and it may only a matter of time before things start to get dirty and nasty.

Members of bikie gangs have their own in house rules. Not following these can cause harm or death. Some gang affiliates are required to steal, rape or beat up people to be initiated. It is very troubling and scary that those who are not involved with such gangs are bound to be impacted by this process. 

There is social etiquette everywhere. When you step outside of this, people may lose trust or steer clear of you. When you are known as unpredictable, you unbalance social norms.

Unhealthy social norms.

When we are sick it is now acceptable to run to the medicine cabinet and reach for a pharmaceutical remedy. This has become an automatic reaction, rather than raising questions as why the pain or illness has occurred.

Advertising further instills these thoughts and behaviours as acceptable with their expensive campaigns, teaching us that it is normal to take tablets. Creating a fortune for companies in this line of business. Although not necessarily good for our health.

I never once worried about loss of income or funeral insurance. I am a fit and healthy woman who does not think in these terms. However with an increase in advertising, it has me thinking otherwise.

Rules are made from injury.

Rules are implemented because of accidents causing pain, injury or death. Occupational Health and Safety procedures and practices are in operation to ensure the safety of all.

The occurrence of a mistake or disaster highlights areas where adjustments to rules and regulations are required to ensure everyone is free of danger.

Abuse of the rules.

Social norms are also taken advantage off. The speed camera, was put in place to deter speeding and now it is a much abused revenue raiser. However if you are not speeding it will not affect you, unless these machines are inaccurate.

Social control is sensible.

When traffic lights turn red this is a universal sign to stop. The likelihood of a collision is imminent if we do not obey this rule. Cars are not cheap and it is against the law to run a red light. So adhering to this rule is beneficial for a number of reasons.

We don’t want to be involved in an accident because that will delay the arrival to our destination. Being without a car will inconvenience us. Breaking the law creates time delays and can become expensive with lawyers and fines.

Insurance companies will assess your car and the circumstances surrounding the incident to evaluate if your claim is within your insurance policy guidelines. In this one instance there are many reasons why it is wise to follow traffic rules.

Even blogging has social etiquette.

There are behaviors and actions we take in order to become influential bloggers. There are many posts written on the procedures. When new bloggers arrives on the scene they locate the communities to suit their niche. Learning the ropes and following the right procedures is essential to making impact in their area of expertise.

Whether we aware of it or not, we are comfortable conforming to socially acceptable standards. Because it is safe and predictable. We become alert and stand to attention when anti-social behavior is present.

It’s wise to be conscious of your actions, not all social norms are for the greater good, but for greedy capitalist.We behave with etiquette because majority of the time it makes sense and is logical. But never act or do because it is socially acceptable always question your actions and you won’t be steered wrong.

It's wise to be conscious of your actions, not all social norms are for the greater good, but for greedy capitalist. @thedigger0 Share on X

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