A social rule, often called a social norm, is a shared standard or informal rule of acceptable behavior within a group or society. It specifies how individuals are expected to act in certain situations to maintain social order and predictability. Social rules can be unwritten and implicit, guiding behaviors like greeting, politeness, and respect, and they can vary widely across cultures and social groups. These rules often influence decision-making and interaction and are enforced either formally or informally through social sanctions or rewards. They are essential for social cohesion and functioning but can evolve over time or differ based on context and community.
Social rules differ from formal laws in that they may not be codified but still regulate conduct and social interactions. They can be found in norms, customs, taboos, and regulations that people produce and reproduce in society. Social rule system theory views social rules as part of institutions that structure social life and human behavior within groups.
In summary, social rules are culturally and socially shared behavioral expectations that guide how members of a society or group interact and coexist harmoniously.
