discussion board assignment 1384901 2

Both Due by 11:59 Central Time

 

Discussion Board 

 

BACKGROUND

One of the best ways to understand deviance and social norms in society is to observe what happens when these norms are violated, , i.e., norm violations. For this discussion, I’d like you to first violate a simple norm and gauge the reactions (your own and other people’s). Then I’d like you to report your findings in the discussion post.

IMPORTANT: Please violate only a SIMPLE norm – a “folkway.” Do NOT violate any laws or “mores” that will cause harm or put you or anyone else in danger in any way. This will result in a zero for the discussion. If you are not sure, drop me an email through iBoard and I’ll be happy to discuss your ideas.

 

TASKS BEFORE YOU WRITE YOUR POST

· Select the norm you would like to violate (examples below).

· Think about what this behavior means in our society.

· Observe normal behavior first.

· Then violate the norm.

· Observe the reactions to your behavior. Notice body language, words, actions.

· Observe your own feelings during and after the violation.

· Feel free to “debrief” the people involved, if appropriate, about your experiment, if they are people you know well.

Acceptable Examples:

 

• You might treat a family member as if you were a stranger at dinner – ringing the doorbell when arriving, being extremely polite, asking about that person’s life, saying formal hello’s and goodbyes, including a handshake, etc.
• When riding the elevator, turn to face the people rather than staring up at the numbers.
• Violate our typical use of personal space – stand a little closer than normal when speaking to a family member or neighbor or friend. (This is something that is very cultural in its foundation – we all sort of just know what’s appropriate, and we become very aware when personal space norms are violated!).
• Speaking more loudly that normal.
• Speaking in a very formal manner with a close friend or family member.
• Offering to let people go ahead of you in a grocery line.
• Belching at the dinner table. (In some cultures this is actually expected as a sign of having enjoyed the meal!)
• Sitting right next to someone on an otherwise empty bus.
• You may use your own ideas as well, but again, it must be a simple folkway – nothing that will cause extreme discomfort or harm to you or anyone involved.

IMPORTANT: Please violate only a SIMPLE norm – a “folkway.” Do NOT violate any laws or “mores” that will cause harm or put you or anyone else in danger in any way. This will result in a zero for the discussion. If you are not sure, drop me an email through iBoard and I’ll be happy to discuss your ideas.

WRITING YOUR POST

Here are the points you should address in your post – 3 or 4 paragraphs should be sufficient.

· Briefly define “social norm.”

· Briefly define “deviance.”

· Describe the norm you violated. Describe the setting, the people involved, and your behavior.

· What sorts of reactions did you observe? Be specific. Avoid vague descriptions such as “They thought I was weird.” Describe instead… facial expressions, body language, words, actions.

· How did you feel doing this norm violation?

· Explain what you learned about this norm and about the meaning of this behavior in society – in other words, why do we have this norm in our culture?

· How might the reactions have been different if you had behaved in this manner in another culture?

Please remember to cite and reference any sources you use in writing your post.

 

 

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