Rational Lives: Norms and Values in Politics and Society - Assignment Example

Groups may develop different norms that suit them better. Cultural norms for instance may develop within a given group. Cultural norms may govern the type of clothing to put on and when to put them on. In addition, it tells when and where to say certain things, to use certain words, and when to discuss certain topics. Thus cultural norms are important for creating the impression and picture of the group. They govern the general behavior of members of the group. Employers may also develop a code of conduct to be adhered to by the employees. Such rules are referred to as work norms often followed at the Dient organizations have different work norms.

These work norms include signing in the g of timesheets by employees at the arrival time. Some organizations require workers to hold prayer meetings before beginning to work. However, most organizations conform to a particular dress code which restricts workers on what to put on and what not to wear. Another type of norm that can be adopted by a group is the prescriptive norm. These are unwritten rules that indicate what should be done. For example, expressing gratitude after receiving a present is considered as a prescriptive norm.

A study group may also consider a question session before beginning revision as a prescriptive norm. A prayer session before a match for a team is also a prescriptive norm. Proscriptive norm on the other hand comprises unwritten rules that one should not do. A group may have its primitive norms. Blaming each other for football players due to a loss can be an example of a proscriptive norm. Similarly, abusing each other among members of a bible study group can be another example. Norms are generally good for the group.

A dress code among workers is good because it brings uniformity to certain workers such as medical workers. This helps in easy identification and prevents sonification. Calling names and blaming each other among players may bring disharmony to the team. Similarly insulting each other may lead to the breaking up of a bible study group. Norms generally are good since they help a group to achieve their set objectives. Once in a certain group, a person’s behavior is influenced by members of the group.

One way is through socialization (Chong 56). This occurs when group members agree to uphold the same practices and conduct. In my case, for instance, our group of friends in college has accepted values and practices. This has brought harmony, peaceful co-existence, and a sense of feeling at home. This internal cohesion has increased the influence of our leader on the members. This has made me change some of my behaviors to conform to the leaders and other co-members. I have also influenced other members’ behavior by inviting them to join our bible study group.

When these individuals join the group, they adopt the characteristics of the group. This is described as conformism (Chong 96). Here, people duplicate the behavior of other individuals for acceptance, which includes reading the bible daily. Therefore, either through socialization or through conformism, groups will always influence the behaviors of members.