Write a short note on types of norms.

Norms are social rules or expectations that guide and regulate behavior within a group or society. They represent shared beliefs, values, and customs that shape individuals' actions and interactions. There are various types of norms, each serving different functions and influencing behavior in distinct ways:

1. Descriptive Norms:
Descriptive norms refer to perceptions of what is commonly done or typical behavior in a given situation. They reflect observations of how others behave and are based on social cues and context. Descriptive norms inform individuals about what is considered normal or acceptable behavior within a specific group or culture.

2. Injunctive Norms:
Injunctive norms, also known as prescriptive norms, prescribe what behaviors are approved or disapproved by others. They represent the perceived social expectations or standards regarding appropriate conduct. Injunctive norms convey societal values and norms about right and wrong behavior and influence individuals' decisions and actions based on anticipated social approval or disapproval.

3. Proscriptive Norms:
Proscriptive norms specify behaviors that are prohibited or forbidden within a group or society. They outline actions that are deemed unacceptable or inappropriate and are often enforced through social sanctions or penalties. Proscriptive norms help maintain social order and cohesion by discouraging deviant or harmful behaviors.

4. Prescriptive Norms:
Prescriptive norms, also known as obligatory norms, prescribe behaviors that individuals are expected to perform or fulfill. They represent social obligations or duties that individuals are required to adhere to in specific situations or roles. Prescriptive norms guide behavior by establishing expectations for roles, responsibilities, and social interactions within a community.

5. Formal Norms:
Formal norms are explicitly stated rules and regulations established by authorities or institutions within a society. They are often codified into laws, policies, or official codes of conduct and are enforced through formal sanctions or legal consequences. Formal norms govern behavior in formal settings such as workplaces, schools, and government institutions.

6. Informal Norms:
Informal norms, also known as customary norms or folkways, are unwritten and unofficial rules of behavior that emerge from everyday interactions and social practices. They govern social etiquette, manners, and conventions within social groups and are reinforced through informal social sanctions such as social approval or disapproval, ridicule, or ostracism.

Conclusion:
Norms play a fundamental role in shaping social behavior and maintaining social order within groups and societies. By understanding the different types of norms and their functions, we can better comprehend how individuals conform to social expectations, navigate social interactions, and contribute to the cohesion and stability of communities.