Question

This week, in order to investigate the power of social norms, you are to violate a social norm (not a formal norm!). This type of norm breaking activity is what sociologists call a "breaching experiment." When breaking the norm, be sure to pay attention to the sanctions you receive. Report back the norm you broke and the sanctions you received. What did you learn about norms and sanctions? Do you think factors such as age, sex, and/or race affected the way others perceived your norm violation?

Answer 1

Breaching experiment can be defined as violated a not so serious norm to observe the behaviour of others which is taken for granted.For example if we were dressed formally in a suit and sat in a fast food joint .The person pretends that he is right at all times and would do it to capture the attention of others.This act of his would make the waiters to behave in a indifferent way to him.What we are taught in our culture may be seen as violating a norm in other culture or country.In certain cultures eating food with hands is a norm,for example children learn to eat with their hands rather than use a fork and knife.if the child did the same in a different country that would look as violating a norm.We teach children norms that should be accepted by all keeping cultural differences in mind.