SOCIAL NORMS

Social norms are crucial to globalization as they shape social interactions, cultural
values, and the global spread of human rights. They help maintain societal stability and
promote the acceptance of human rights by integrating these values into different
cultures. Multinational corporations use social norms to establish and spread new
practices across regions, enhancing their influence and shaping global work
environments. The effective implementation of human rights depends on their
acceptance and internalization within societies, extending beyond legal frameworks to
become embedded in global cultures (UNICEF, 2021).
Social norms are the perceived informal, mostly unwritten, rules that define
acceptable and appropriate actions within a given group or community, thus guiding
human behaviour.They consist of what we do, what we believe others do, and what we
believe others approve of and expect us to do. Social norms are therefore situated at
the interplay between behaviour, beliefs and expectations.
There are many examples of social norms, including greeting people upon meeting
them, apologizing for wronging another person, giving up a seat on the train for an
elderly person, and opening the door for others as a courtesy.
Social norms are the unspoken rules that govern how people interact with each other.
They can vary from culture to culture, and even from group to group with a culture.
Examples: Greeting people when you see them.
Saying “thank you” for favors.
Holding the door open for others.
Standing up when someone else enters the room.
Offering to help someone carrying something heavy. (National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control, 2023)
THE IMPACT OF
GLOBALIZATIONON SOCIAL
NORMS?

Social norms are crucial to globalization as they shape social interactions, cultural
values, and the global spread of human rights. They help maintain societal stability and
promote the acceptance of human rights by integrating these values into different
cultures. Multinational corporations use social norms to establish and spread new
practices across regions, enhancing their influence and shaping global work
environments. The effective implementation of human rights depends on their
acceptance and internalization within societies, extending beyond legal frameworks to
become embedded in global cultures (UNICEF, 2021).
Social Norms and Globalization

Social norms shape interactions, cultural values, and the spread of human rights globally. They help
maintain societal stability and integrate human rights into diverse cultures.

Social norms are informal, mostly unwritten rules defining acceptable behavior within a group. They
encompass behavior, beliefs, and expectations.

Effective implementation of human rights relies on their acceptance and internalization within societies,
extending beyond legal frameworks into global cultures (UNICEF, 2021).

Definition and Examples

 Definition: Social norms are informal, mostly unwritten rules defining acceptable
behavior within a group. They encompass behavior, beliefs, and expectations.
 Examples:
o Greeting people
o Saying “thank you”
o Holding doors open
 o Standing when someone enters
o Offering help with heavy items

Key Words

 Social Norms
 Globalization
 Human Rights
 Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
 Cultural Values
 Societal Stability
 Acceptance and Internalization

The Impact of Globalization on Social Norms

Introduction Globalization refers to the process by which the world becomes increasingly
interconnected through trade, communication, and cultural exchange. This phenomenon has a
significant impact on social norms, which are the accepted behaviors and values in a society.
Let’s explore how globalization influences these norms in various ways.

1. Cultural Integration and Homogenization Globalization leads to the blending of cultures.

For example:

 Cultural Blending: We see local traditions mixing with global practices, such as the widespread
popularity of international fast-food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks. These brands
influence eating habits and lifestyle choices around the world.
 Cultural Homogenization: There's a risk of dominant cultures overshadowing local traditions.
For instance, American movies and TV shows are popular worldwide, which can affect local
media and entertainment norms.

2. Changing Attitudes and Values Globalization can promote progressive values and shift
societal attitudes. Consider these examples:

 Gender Equality: Exposure to global movements for gender equality has influenced many
societies to improve women's rights and opportunities.
 Environmental Awareness: Global environmental campaigns have increased awareness of
sustainability and changed local norms about conservation and eco-friendly practices.

3. Resistance and Preservation of Local Norms In some cases, globalization leads to resistance
and a revival of traditional values:

 Cultural Resistance: Communities may strengthen traditional norms in response to the

perceived threat of global influences. This can be seen in the rise of nationalist movements that
emphasize local traditions.
 Revival of Traditions: Efforts to preserve cultural heritage are evident in the promotion of
traditional festivals and practices.
4. Economic Disparities and Social Norms Globalization impacts economic inequalities and
social norms related to class and wealth:

 Economic Inequality: Globalization can widen the gap between rich and poor, affecting social
norms related to wealth and class. For example, the rise of luxury brands can shape social norms
around status and consumption.
 Changing Class Norms: Economic shifts can alter norms related to social mobility and career
expectations.

5. Global Communication and Social Networks The rise of global communication platforms
influences social norms rapidly:

 Accelerated Change: Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter spread new ideas and
social movements quickly, affecting local norms and behaviors.
 Cross-Cultural Dialogue: These platforms facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, promoting
understanding and influencing local norms regarding issues such as social justice and activism.

Conclusion Globalization significantly affects social norms by blending cultures, promoting

progressive values, and sometimes causing resistance to change. It accelerates the spread of new
ideas and influences local customs, creating a dynamic interaction between global and local
practices. Understanding these impacts helps us navigate and appreciate the evolving nature of
social norms in our interconnected world.

The impact of globalization on social norms.

According to Keenan (2008), globalization can weaken social norms by disrupting community
relationships, diminishing their ability to regulate behavior. As communities globalize, the
breakdown in social ties reduces residents' willingness to support and enforce norms,
undermining the effectiveness of these social rules. This article introduces a theory that addresses
this issue, highlighting how globalization interferes with norm formation and community self-
regulation.

Published by UNICEF Child Protection Programme Team and Social and Behavior Change

Team, Programme Group 3 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017, USA

https://www.unicef.org/documents/defining-social-norms-and-related-concepts
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention Sept

15, 2023

https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/main/prevention-information/social-norms/

Patrick J. Keenan, Do Norms Still Matter? The Corrosive Effects of Globalization on the Vitality of Norms, 41 Vanderbilt Law

Review 327 (2021)

https://scholarship.law.vanderbilt.edu/vjtl/vol41/iss2/1/
Impact of Globalization on Social Norms

Social norms, defined as informal, mostly unwritten rules that dictate acceptable
behavior within a group, play a significant role in shaping our interactions, cultural
values, and the broader spread of human rights (UNICEF, 2021). These norms guide
everyday behaviors such as greeting others, holding doors open, expressing gratitude,
standing up for others, and offering assistance.

They contribute to how we relate to one another and uphold societal values.

Nag-aambag sila sa kung paano tayo nauugnay sa isa't isa at itinataguyod ang mga
pagpapahalaga sa lipunan.

As globalization advances, it exerts both positive and negative effects on these social
norms, societies may adopt and adapt to new practices and values that promote
inclusivity and human rights.
Habang umuunlad ang globalisasyon, nagdudulot ito ng parehong positibo at negatibong epekto sa mga

pamantayang panlipunan na ito, ang mga lipunan ay maaaring magpatibay at umangkop sa mga bagong

kasanayan at pagpapahalaga na nagtataguyod ng pagiging inklusibo at karapatang pantao.

On the other hand, globalization can also challenge traditional social norms. According
to Keenan (2008), as communities become more interconnected and globalized, there
is a risk of weakening social norms. Globalization can weaken social norms by disrupting
close-knit community ties. As people from different backgrounds interact more, traditional norms
lose their effectiveness, leading to less support and enforcement of these norms and potentially
reducing societal cohesion.

Maaaring pahinain ng globalisasyon ang mga pamantayan sa lipunan sa pamamagitan ng

paggambala sa malapit na ugnayan ng komunidad. Habang higit na nakikipag-ugnayan ang
mga tao mula sa iba't ibang background, nawawalan ng bisa ang mga tradisyonal na kaugalian,
na humahantong sa mas kaunting suporta at pagpapatupad ng mga pamantayang ito at
posibleng mabawasan ang pagkakaisa ng lipunan.

Moreover, social norms influence various aspects of daily life, including clothing
choices, communication styles, music preferences, and attitudes towards social issues
(National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2023). As globalization introduces
new ideas and practices, it can shift these norms, leading to changes in how people
dress, speak, or interact.

Habang ang globalisasyon ay nagpapakilala ng mga bagong ideya at kasanayan,

maaari nitong ilipat ang mga pamantayang ito, na humahantong sa mga pagbabago sa
kung paano manamit, magsalita, o makipag-ugnayan ang mga tao.

In summary, while globalization has the potential to enhance the global exchange of
human rights and cultural values, it also poses challenges to the maintenance and
enforcement of traditional social norms. The impact of globalization on social norms is
complex, as it involves both the integration of diverse practices and the potential
weakening of established community ties.