The Importance Of Social Behavior

Social norms are the boundaries that our culture places on people in regards to our behavior in public settings. These guidelines help shape what conduct is acceptable in everyday situations, such as minding others personal space or following line etiquette. From the moment we enter kindergarten, we are taught how to keep our hands to ourselves and learn the importance of patience by waiting in line until it is our turn to be helped. Therefore, for the purpose of this assignment, I have chosen to invade the highly coveted personal space of others to gauge their reactions. It is just after nine in the morning with snow in the forecast over the next 48 hours. Although schools are already closed in observance of Presidents Day, several businesses are closing their doors to encourage people to stay home and many individuals, including myself, are heading to the

Instead of people directly asking me to back off, all four people adjusted their positions to regain some level of their personal space or walked away. Even more shocking, two men who ultimately were concerned with my behavior, inquired if I was feeling alright and or needed medical assistance. I am assuming this is like due to me being obviously very far along in pregnancy (in my 38th week) and crowding those in front of me like I was in a rush.
Culture is outlined as a groups shared commonalities, beliefs, norms and behaviors (Chambliss & Eglitis, 2016, p. 56). To gauge the reactions of others, I adjusted my actions to act outside of American culture; a culture that values their personal space more so than other cultures. Although there are no written laws or rules established that entering one’s imaginary bubble, it makes most other uncomfortable and can be described as breaking the sociological concepts of values, norms, folkways, and in extreme cases, mores in our