Cultural norms are what keep people moving in a similar direction.

This lesson
explains the relationship between cultural norms and values. We'll also look at
an experiment that tells us about our willingness to conform.

What Is a Cultural Norm?

Have you ever wondered why most people who live in a certain country think and
behave in similar ways and why people from one country or culture are so
different from people of another culture? The difference has to do with cultural
norms. The term 'culture' refers to attitudes and patterns of behavior in a given
group. 'Norm' refers to attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal,
typical or average within that group.

All societies have cultural norms. Even though norms influence every facet of our
lives, including what we value, our attitudes, and how we behave, we are often
unaware that we are influenced at all.

How Are Cultural Norms and Values

Related?
The culture of a nation is transmitted through its existing systems. Three
systems play a key role in the transmission of cultural norms - government,
education and family. Typically, government sets forth an ideology or set of
beliefs. These beliefs, and the behaviors that support them, are then taught by
schools and by families. The beliefs are often referred to as values, and the
behaviors that support these values are referred to as norms.

Here's an example of how a cultural norm might be transmitted and how it is

related to a value. The United States government promotes a belief that
everyone is responsible for their own destiny. If I am educated in the United
States, I have likely been taught that America is the land of opportunity and that
I am free to choose my destiny. In other words, with hard work, I can do
anything.

More than likely, my parents have also communicated a similar value system to
me. They may have stressed that if I get an education and work hard, I will have
a good life. As a result, I will probably value competition and individualism, and I
will have a tendency to judge those who are less successful.

Cultural norms also exist in smaller groups or cultures, not just in larger
societies. Hispanic-American and African-American cultures are examples of
groups that have their own set of values and norms. Although they usually take
on a number of cultural norms from the larger culture (the United States), they
have additional values and norms that are passed on through generations.
Values and norms for these 'sub-cultures' are transmitted through the family
system.
Conforming to Cultural Norms
Norms and values are intertwined, and some degree of conformity is expected.
In some cases, there is even pressure to conform. Take a moment to think about
a time when you felt pressured to fall in line with others. It is not unusual to
behave in ways similar to those around us. In fact, imitation is quite common.
Let's take a look at a famous experiment that illustrates the point.