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Factors Affecting Human Behavior
Factors Affecting Human Behavior
The behavior of people (and other organisms or even mechanisms) falls within a range
with some behavior being common, some unusual, some acceptable, and some outside
acceptable limits. In sociology, behavior is considered as having no meaning, being not
directed at other people and thus is the most basic human action. Behavior should not be
mistaken with social behavior, which is more advanced action, as social behavior is
behavior specifically directed at other people. The acceptability of behavior is evaluated
relative to social norms and regulated by various means of social control.
In 1970, a book was published called "The Social Contract: A Personal Inquiry into the
Evolutionary Sources of Order and Disorder" written by the anthropologist Robert
Ardrey. The book and study investigated animal behavior (Ethology) and then compared
human behavior as a similar phenomenon.
• Social Norms – This is the influence of social pressure that is perceived by the
individual (normative beliefs) to perform or not perform a certain behaviour.