Social Custom: An Accepted Pattern of Behaviour

Social customs are accepted, established, or expected patterns of behaviour. They guide behaviour and can replace the need to make choices. The concept of social custom helps explain behaviours that are not individually rational.

Social customs are widely accepted, established, or expected patterns of behaviour within a society. These customs guide individual and group actions, often obviating the need for personal decision-making in various social contexts.

Historical Context

Throughout history, social customs have evolved to facilitate smoother social interactions, cohesiveness, and predictability within communities. From ancient tribal rituals to modern-day etiquette, social customs reflect the values, norms, and traditions of societies across time and space.

Types/Categories of Social Customs

1. Rituals: Formal and ceremonial practices, such as weddings or religious ceremonies.
2. Manners: Day-to-day etiquette and politeness, like saying “please” and “thank you.”
3. Norms: Informal understandings that govern behavior, such as dress codes and dining etiquette.
4. Traditions: Long-established actions or patterns, such as annual festivals and holidays.

Key Events Influencing Social Customs

• The Renaissance (14th-17th Century): Rebirth of cultural norms and the establishment of new social etiquettes.
• The Industrial Revolution (18th-19th Century): Changes in social structure, influencing urban customs and workplace behavior.
• The Digital Age (21st Century): Introduction of new social norms related to online interactions and digital communication.

Detailed Explanations

Social customs act as social glue, maintaining order and stability within communities. They can:

• Simplify social interactions, e.g., greetings and farewells.
• Create a sense of belonging and identity.
• Encourage cooperative behavior, such as queuing and taking turns.

Mathematical Models

Game theory often models social customs to predict and explain seemingly irrational behaviors.

    graph TD;
	    A[Individual Choices] --> B{Social Custom}
	    B --> C[Cooperative Behaviour]
	    B --> D[Predictable Actions]

Importance and Applicability

Understanding social customs is crucial in sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. They are vital in:

• Reducing social friction.
• Enhancing social cohesion.
• Facilitating cultural exchanges and global interactions.

Examples

• Opening Doors: In many cultures, it’s customary for a man to open a door for a woman, which aids in smooth social interactions.
• Trade Union Membership: Despite non-members benefiting, people join unions due to social customs encouraging collective action.
• Tax Compliance: Societal norms discourage tax evasion, promoting communal welfare.

Considerations

• Social customs can vary greatly between cultures.
• They can become outdated or be challenged over time.
• Misunderstanding customs can lead to social friction.

Related Terms

• Social Norms: General standards of behavior within society.
• Etiquette: Conventional requirements for social behavior.
• Cultural Norms: Shared values and practices within a cultural group.

Comparisons

• Social Customs vs. Laws: Customs are unwritten and informal, whereas laws are codified and legally enforced.
• Social Customs vs. Traditions: Traditions are long-standing customs passed down through generations.

Interesting Facts

• The custom of shaking hands dates back to ancient Greece as a gesture of peace, showing that the hand holds no weapon.
• In Japan, slurping noodles is a sign of appreciation for the meal.

Inspirational Stories

Mahatma Gandhi’s adherence to and modification of social customs played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence, promoting non-violence and civil disobedience as powerful tools for social change.

Famous Quotes

• William Somerset Maugham: “Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.”
• Edmund Burke: “Custom reconciles us to everything.”

Proverbs and Clichés

• “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
• “Old habits die hard.”

Expressions

• Breaking with Custom: Deviating from the usual way of doing things.
• Customary Practice: A routine or habitual action within a group.

Jargon and Slang

• Normie: A term used to describe someone who adheres to typical social norms.
• Outsider: Someone who does not conform to the established social customs.

FAQs

What is a social custom?

A social custom is an accepted, established, or expected pattern of behavior within a society.

How do social customs develop?

They develop over time through shared experiences and are passed down from generation to generation.

Why are social customs important?

They facilitate smooth social interactions and promote social cohesion and predictability.

References

• Durkheim, E. (1895). The Rules of Sociological Method.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures.
• Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values.

Summary

Social customs are integral to the fabric of society, simplifying interactions and fostering a sense of community. Understanding these patterns is crucial for appreciating the dynamics of human behavior across different cultures and times. Through continuous evolution, social customs adapt to changing societal values while retaining their foundational role in guiding behavior.

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This entry provides a comprehensive overview of social customs, their historical context, types, importance, and applicability, along with examples, considerations, and related terminology.