Social norms are the accepted standards or rules of behaviour that guide and regulate the conduct of individuals within a society. They define what is considered appropriate or inappropriate and help maintain social order.

Norms are learned through the process of socialization and vary across societies and cultures.

Definitions of Social Norms

Kingsley Davis

“Norms are the rules by which people guide their behaviour.”

Harry M. Johnson

“Norms are standards of behaviour shared by members of a social group.”

Simple Definition

“Social norms are socially accepted rules and standards that regulate the behaviour of individuals in society.”

Characteristics of Social Norms

1. Socially Accepted

• Norms are collectively accepted by society.

2. Learned Behaviour

• Individuals learn norms through family, school, religion, and society.

3. Guide Human Behaviour

• Norms help individuals distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

4. Dynamic

• Norms evolve with changing social conditions.

5. Differ Across Societies

• Different societies have different norms depending on culture and traditions.

6. Ensure Social Order

• Norms reduce conflicts and promote discipline and cooperation.

Types of Social Norms

1. Folkways

These are everyday customs and habitual practices. Examples:

• Greeting elders.
• Removing footwear before entering a temple.
• Saying “Thank You.”
• Violation usually attracts mild social disapproval.

2. Mores

Mores are norms considered essential for the welfare of society. Examples:

• Respecting parents.
• Honesty.
• Fidelity in marriage.
• Violation often attracts strong moral condemnation.

3. Customs

Customs are long-established social practices transmitted from one generation to another. Examples:

• Celebrating Diwali.
• Traditional marriage rituals.
• Harvest festivals.

4. Laws

Laws are formal norms enforced by the State. Examples:

• Right to Education Act.
• Motor Vehicles Act.
• Indian Penal Code.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
• Violation leads to legal punishment.

Difference between Folkways, Mores, Customs and Laws

Basis	Folkways	Mores	Customs	Laws
Nature	Informal	Moral	Traditional	Formal
Importance	Less	High	Moderate	Very High
Enforcement	Public Opinion	Moral Pressure	Tradition	Government
Punishment	Mild	Severe Social Disapproval	Social Criticism	Legal Penalty

What are Values?

Values are the ideals, beliefs, and principles that guide human behaviour and help individuals determine what is right, desirable, and important in society.

Values influence attitudes, decisions, and social relationships.

Definitions of Values

Clyde Kluckhohn

“Values are conceptions of the desirable that influence the selection of available modes, means and ends of action.”

Radha Kamal Mukerjee

“Values are socially approved desires and goals.”

Simple Definition

“Values are the ideals and beliefs that guide individual and collective behaviour in society.”

Characteristics of Values

• Learned through socialization.
• Socially approved.
• Guide decision-making.
• Promote social harmony.
• Relatively stable but change over time.
• Influence personality development.

Types of Values

Personal Values

Examples :

• Honesty
• Discipline
• Hard Work

Social Values

Examples :

• Equality
• Cooperation
• Justice
• Fraternity

Moral Values

Examples :

• Truthfulness
• Compassion
• Integrity

Cultural Values

Examples :

• Respect for elders
• Hospitality
• Tolerance

Constitutional Values

Derived from the Preamble of the Constitution :

• Justice
• Liberty
• Equality
• Fraternity
• Secularism
• Democracy
• Dignity of the Individual

Difference between Norms and Values

Norms	Values
Rules of Behaviour	Ideals and Principles
Tell us how to behave	Tell us what is desirable
External Control	Internal Belief
Specific	Broad
Regulate Behaviour	Inspire Behaviour

Relationship between Norms and Values

Values provide the foundation, while norms translate those values into practical behaviour. Example :

• Value → Respect | Norm → Greeting elders politely.

• Value → Equality | Norm → Avoiding discrimination.

Importance of Norms and Values

They :

• Maintain social order.
• Promote discipline.
• Preserve culture.
• Reduce conflicts.
• Strengthen national integration.
• Encourage ethical behaviour.
• Promote responsible citizenship.

Norms and Values in Indian Society

Indian society is based on values like:

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
• Ahimsa
• Tolerance
• Respect for Diversity
• Unity in Diversity
• Family Values

The Constitution further strengthens these through democratic and secular ideals.

Contemporary Relevance

Modern challenges such as:

• Cybercrime
• Fake News
• Hate Speech
• Corruption
• Gender Discrimination
• Environmental Degradation

highlight the need to reinforce ethical values and responsible social norms.

Government initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission LiFE, Digital India encourage behavioural change by promoting positive social norms.

Thinker’s Perspective

Émile Durkheim

“Norms are essential for maintaining social solidarity and preventing anomie.”

Talcott Parsons

“Shared values form the foundation of social order and integration.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“Truth and non-violence are the highest social values.”

Conclusion

Norms and values are the moral and social foundations of every society. While norms regulate behaviour, values inspire individuals to act ethically and responsibly. In a democratic nation like India, strengthening constitutional values and positive social norms is essential for social harmony, inclusive development, and good governance.

PYQs

Q. Explain the importance of constitutional values in strengthening Indian democracy. (MPPSC 2023)

Q. Discuss the role of social values in maintaining social harmony. (CGPSC 2022)

Q. Differentiate between social norms and social values with suitable examples. (RAS 2024)

Q. Examine the role of ethical values in contemporary Indian society. (UPPSC 2023)

MODEL ANSWER

Q. Differentiate between Social Norms and Social Values. Discuss their role in maintaining social order. (15 Marks)

Social norms and values are fundamental elements of society that regulate human behaviour and ensure social stability. While norms are accepted rules governing conduct, values are the ideals and beliefs that determine what is considered desirable. According to Émile Durkheim, shared norms and values are essential for maintaining social solidarity.

Social norms prescribe appropriate behaviour through folkways, mores, customs, and laws, whereas values represent broader principles such as justice, equality, honesty, liberty, and compassion. Values shape individual attitudes, while norms translate these ideals into everyday actions. For example, the value of equality is reflected in the norm of treating all individuals without discrimination.

Together, norms and values maintain social order by promoting discipline, cooperation, cultural continuity, and ethical conduct. In India, constitutional values such as justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, secularism, and dignity of the individual guide public institutions and democratic governance. Contemporary initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Mission LiFE demonstrate how governments promote positive social norms to encourage behavioural change.

Norms and values are indispensable for building a just and harmonious society. Strengthening constitutional values, ethical education, digital responsibility, and civic consciousness will foster responsible citizenship and contribute to inclusive development and good governance.