Social Norms And Sanctions

A social sanction refers to a behavior that punishes or rewards a person based on their adherence or violation of social norms. It acts as a form of social control by either reinforcing desired behaviors or discouraging undesirable ones. This can include various forms of consequences such as praise, criticism, ostracism, or even legal penalties. The purpose of social sanctions is to maintain social order and conformity within a society.

All of the options listed in the question are examples of norms. Norms are social expectations or rules that guide behavior in a particular society or group. Using utensils at the dinner table, saying "thank you" in response to kindness, holding the door open for someone, and driving on the right side of the road are all considered appropriate and expected behaviors in their respective contexts.

This scenario demonstrates an informal, positive sanction. Informal because it is not a formal or official rule or law that Curtis must help the elderly person with his groceries. Positive because the elderly man rewards Curtis with a tip for his kind gesture, showing approval and encouragement for his behavior.

President Obama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in the Middle East prior to taking office is an example of a positive, formal social sanction. The Nobel Peace Prize is a prestigious international award given to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to promoting peace and resolving conflicts. It is a formal recognition of President Obama's efforts in the Middle East and serves as a positive endorsement of his work in the international community.

The given scenario describes Mary Ann receiving a thank you card for the nice gift she gave her Aunt Sarah last year. This indicates that Mary Ann's action of giving a gift was positively received and appreciated by her Aunt Sarah, leading to a positive outcome. Therefore, this is an example of a positive sanction, where Mary Ann's behavior is rewarded and reinforced.

This is an example of a negative sanction because Thomas committed a crime by stealing money from the bank teller, resulting in a negative consequence of receiving a prison sentence.

This is an example of a positive sanction because Jane's smile is a positive response to Stephanie's action of holding the door open for her. A positive sanction is a form of social approval or reward given to someone for conforming to social norms or expectations. In this case, Jane's smile serves as a positive reinforcement for Stephanie's behavior, encouraging her to continue engaging in polite and considerate actions.

A value is something that a group of people consider right or wrong, good or bad. It is a belief or principle that guides individuals or communities in making decisions and judgments about what is important and desirable. Values can vary among different cultures, societies, and individuals, and they influence attitudes, behaviors, and priorities. They provide a framework for moral and ethical choices and help shape personal and collective identities.