Violation of a Cultural Norm

Section #1

The first type of societal norms I am going to explain is formal norms. A formal norm is put down in writing and has strict punishment for violations. Many formal norms become laws and are enforced by the state. An example of a formal norm would be if a minor was caught with possession of alcohol. The minor would get a MIP or "Minor in Possession." For the first offense the minor would lose his/hers license for 30 days. The second time offense would result in the loss of his/hers license for 90 days. For a third time offense he/she would lose their license for a year. In Missouri if you publicly streak through the streets or at any function you could be faced with up to 2 years in prison. Normally you are just slapped with a huge fine and then banned from every going to the place you streaked at again.

The second type of societal norm is an informal norm. This type of norm is generally understood but is not recorded. When Lady Gaga was first introduced to the world no one could decide what they thought of her. A lot of people just thought that she was an original character and others thought she was a flat out freak. Well when she walked out on the stage with the meat costume a lot of people decided right then and there what they thought about her. To some people she is inspirational because she wears what she wants and doesn't care what other people think and to others she was absurd for even thinking she could walk out into the public like that. Have you ever seen those people that are walking around a fair, beach, or even Wal-Mart wearing skimpy clothes that you know should never be worn by that person? Well that's another type of informal norm. Some people like to dress younger than they should or wear clothes that are a little too tiny for their bodies. It's not against the law but it is definitely frowned upon in many people's minds.

The third type of societal norm is folkways. This is a norm that governs our everyday behavior. It is socially approved but not morally significant. Basically this is the difference between right and rude. If you go to a funeral you will see most people wearing somber clothes and carrying tissues. When you go out to a nice restaurant you're going to use the proper utensils and not eat everything with your hands. These are things that are just expected from society and people. Some may not like them but they will respect the norm and go along with them so that everyone doesn't stare or talk about them.

The last type of societal norm is mores. This is a norm of morality that carry's severe punishment such as exclusion for a religious or social group. Recently in Florida a man was arrested because he jumped on top of a man naked and started chewing his face off. That is known as cannibalism and mores norm. It is completely illegal to jump and eat a humans face off and it is definitely frowned upon in society. Premarital

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