Reflection Paper On Social Norm Violations When We Violate U

Reflection Paper Social Norm Violationwhen We Violate Unwritten Rules

Reflection Paper: Social Norm Violation When we violate unwritten rules for appropriate social behavior, we quickly learn the power of social norms. The purpose of this assignment is to raise awareness of how these subtle norms shape everyday behavior and consequences of violating norms. This assignment requires the student to commit a norm violation and to note his/her own reaction and the reactions of others. Note that social norm violations must be committed in the presence of at least one other person, preferably unknown, where safely possible. After the social norm violation is committed and reactions are recorded, students are allowed (but not required) to tell the “audience” that the violation was done as a requirement for a sociology class assignment.

WARNING: This should not be used an opportunity to offend others or test the law. If I find your behavior is unwarranted you will receive a 0 on this paper and may be reported to the Dean of Students. FORMAT: One inch margins (left, right, top and bottom), double spaced, 12 point font, at least 1 page Place your name and Section # on first line, then double space to begin writing. REQUIREMENTS: FIRST, pick a social norm violation from the list below. Students can choose their own social norm violation as long as it has been approved by the professor BEFORE it is committed.

Then, pick your audience and location (you MUST perform this activity off-campus and by yourself- without a friend present).

- Staring at people for 1-2 minutes (or until they notice) (someone of similar stature to you)

- Sing and dance to music in your headphones in public

- Make a large purchase with pennies (no more than $2.00)

- Wear your clothes backwards to a public place (something obvious)

- Stand right next to someone if they are the only person in the elevator (someone of similar stature)

- Go to a parent’s house and ask their permission to do everything (get a drink, use the bathroom, etc)

- Have an animated conversation with yourself in public

- Jump up and down while waiting in the check-out line at the grocery store

SECOND, answer the following questions in paragraph format.

1. Describe the social norm violation. What did you do? Where? To whom?

2. How did you feel about violating this social norm? Why do you think you felt this way?

3. Describe the reactions of others that were present for the norm violation, including facial expression, what they said, and their body language. What do you think they thought about you after the violation (and before you told them that this was a class assignment)?

4. What did this assignment teach you about the experiences of those who do not fit in because they are either new to the culture or are noticeably handicapped in some way?

THIRD, no credit will be received if sent via email or hard copy. Points will be taken off for poorly written work. Late submission will not be accepted.

Paper For Above instruction

For this assignment, I chose to sing and dance to music in my headphones in public, specifically while waiting at a park bench. I selected this norm violation because it was clear and easily observable, and I could perform it alone off-campus without causing harm or offense. I put on my headphones, played lively music, and began singing and dancing openly while stationary on the bench, fully aware that no one was aware of the music I was listening to. This behavior was intended to draw attention and create an unconventional spectacle in an everyday public setting, thereby violating social norms around quiet, subdued behavior in public spaces. I maintained eye contact with no one and exaggerated my dance moves, aiming to be as noticeable as possible without physically disrupting others.

Initially, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The excitement stemmed from doing something rebellious and unexpected, which created a sense of thrill. However, I also experienced slight discomfort because I was aware of how others might perceive my behavior as odd or disruptive. My feelings were influenced by the awareness that I was intentionally violating social expectations, which are deeply ingrained in our daily interactions. The nervousness was compounded by the anticipation of possible reactions from passersby, such as amusement, confusion, or annoyance. Despite these emotions, I pushed forward to complete the act as part of understanding social norms' influence on behavior.

The reactions of those present varied significantly. A few individuals glanced my way briefly, smirking or showing confused expressions, possibly trying to interpret whether I was joking or mentally unwell. Some smiled politely or looked away, indicating mild discomfort or amusement. One person even approached me hesitantly, asking if I was okay or needed help, revealing a concern rooted in social norms about public behavior. Most people seemed to think I was intentionally acting strangely, perhaps as a joke or an eccentric act. Before revealing to them this was a class assignment, I inferred they might have thought I was eccentric or making a statement about personal freedom or mental health. Their body language ranged from curiosity to slight apprehension, and their facial expressions ranged from amusement to concern.

This assignment shed light on the sensitive nature of social norms and how deviations from them can elicit varied reactions based on social context and individual perceptions. It highlighted how individuals who do not conform or who are perceived as different may face misunderstanding, judgment, or social exclusion. For those who are new to a culture or are visibly handicapped, the experience often involves feeling out of place or scrutinized, which can impact their social integration and self-esteem. Observing others' reactions to my norm violation helped me empathize with people who routinely face social stigma or marginalization. Their daily experiences might include feeling constantly judged or misunderstood, which impacts their mental health and sense of belonging. This exercise emphasized the importance of empathy and awareness in fostering more inclusive and understanding communities.

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