Social norms...?

Question

and the sexes. What are some of the best social norms for women and men? How are they taught to us?

Answer 1

Most norms are, arguably, socially constructed, but there might some basis for biology with such norms, like, women must be maternal and caring and men must be active and go-getters. I'm ambivalent about norms because they often rob one of free choice and free expression. Honestly, I can't, in good conscience, come up with "good" norms...all seem to hurt and inhibit in some manner. I'd say norms of caring and virtue, love and diligence should be wide spread and for all genders/sexes and societies.

Answer 2

Social norms are based on mere opinons that have been passed down and spread, there is no universal law anywhere stating how men or women should behave.

I don't believe in norms or roles, but rather individuality and nature. Remaining true to the self, despite gender.
People should not be obligated to behave a certain way or the other because "the majority" think its acceptable and appropriate behaviour pertaining to one gender or the other.
To me, there are no "best social norms for women and men"...and that is exactly why we think there are or should be, because this has been taught to us.

However, I also understand that culture does have much influence upon behaviour and overall mentality, religion (for the religious), interraction with society, and upbringing also play roles in developing one's perceptions of social norms, so I suppose, whether one likes it or not, there is no escaping it.

Good question, by the way.

Answer 3

i'm not so sure that "social norms" are really anything to go by these days...or that they even exist anymore. Although I did get brought up in a strict Italian household and my parents definitely taught my siblings and I great work ethic and still have an old school state of mind...they've come to accept the way things are today...definitely different than it was years ago in italy.

women have been empowered and though some say we still aren't equal with men...i'd say we are pretty close to getting there. women and men are also much more open about sexuality today too (for example...the new term "metro-sexual" seems to have taken over the strong man...where guys are wearing girls jeans now!?!?)...so not many men are fitting the role of "bring home the bacon"... Also, most men want a woman to help out financially in a household...and most woman don't like staying in a kitchen all day.
"A number of studies published in the past few years have found that while "Stepford" may be good for a few chuckles in a movie, it's far off the mark as far as most men and women are concerned"

I work in a city 5 days a week and see just as many women as men working every day...
I'd say the new social norms for men and women - man and woman both work...both bring home the bacon...and can make their relationship work by impressing eachother and motivating eachother everyday. :)

Answer 4

i dunno what it's like in you're country but we have TONS of sex-roles here in the philippines.

for example, we faithfully still observe the passe image of men as breadwinners, gentlemen and fighters of whatever endeavors undergoable here. women are treated as delicate little people whose jobs are generally to look over the children and do the housework.

i believe that extreme sex differentiation is a bit inappropriate especially now in the 21st century. though women here are graudually being empowered by the calls of the modern era, this group is still pretty much a minority.

norms and sex roles are passed down traditionally from generation to generation. it is taught by parents themselves and geerational transition of norms could happen in various velocities depending on how strong dominant norms are being observed.

yes, i'm seventeen and i've already noticed that.

Answer 5

I think you learn them when in school. And every school will have a norm and sub norm. Then you have the city, county and state norms that you live in. As you experience new things in life, from dating to going to church or a ball park, you learn what is expected from your surroundings and the more experienced people that you are with.

Answer 6

Social norms are behaviors and codes that society deems as appropriate depending on gender. For males it would be masculinity: acting tough, strength,etc. For women it emphasizes feminity. We learn these through our primary socialization- family, church, schools, peers, etc.

Answer 7

Women should brush their teeth after giving a BJ.
.

Answer 8

I'm with Wacko, and to Atheist Dee LMAO.

Answer 9

There is no such thing as normal.