Types of Norms: There is no standard classification of the norms in the sociology texts. Each sociologist has presented a somewhat different list. They can be divided into two preliminary groups of categories.
These are:
1. First Group of Category of Norms:
Norms are both
(i) prescriptive. and
(ii) proscriptive.
(i) Prescriptive norms: Their norms dictate what people should do.
(ii) Proscriptive norms: These norms tell us what people should not do.
Conclusion: Frequently, the prescriptions and proscriptions come in pairs, that is, we are required to do something and forbidden not to do something. We are required to wear clothes in our society and forbidden to go naked outside (or on the street or mohalla).
2. Second Groups of Category of Norms: The second group of category of norms is that some of the norms pervade in entire society and others, less pervasive, prevail only in certain groups. We shall call the command norms and the later associated norms.
Example:
(i) Communal Norms: A communal norm would be the custom of shaking hands upon meeting a new acquaintance, a custom that appears throughout our society, in all groups and classes.
(ii) Associational Norms: The example of associational norm would be the custom of wearing sacred thread among Hindus and it applies to the members of upper castes but not to all other castes.
Conclusion: The above referred both ways of classifying norms as prescriptive or proscriptive and as communal or associational repovesent categories that cross each other.
However, all the norms may be subsumed under three major concepts-folkways, mores and custom, which we shall discuss here:
(i) Mores. and
(ii) Folkways:
(i) Mores: Mores represents yet another category of norms. Mores is a term used to denote behaviour patterns, which are not only accepted but prescribed.
(ii) Folkways: In simple words, when the folkways clearly represent group standards, the group sense of what is appropriate, right and necessary for the well being, then they are known as folkways.
Mores may be positive or negative. Positive mores represent what should be for example, respecting elders, speaking the truth, etc. While negative mores represent 'don'ts', examples like do not steal, do not tell lies. Mores are the means by which individuals gain identification with their fellows. As a result mores bind people into one strong cohesive group. In this way the mores help to maintain social order. For example, students must wear uniforms at school. It is not only accepted but also a prescribed form of behaviour. This prescription creates pressure on students, and they cannot deviate from this rule. And, this dress code undoubtedly gives the students a common identification in the school.
(iii) Customs: Customs, another kind of social norm, are socially accepted ways in which people do things together in personal contacts. Our accepted procedures or practices of eating, meeting people, playing, working etc. can be called custom. Custom preserves our culture and transmits it to the next generation. For example, it is the custom to touch the feet of elders before examination or at different other auspicious and religious occasions in India, but not in western countries. People have seen their elders to maintain these customs. People have learnt this and they themselves maintain this. In this way this particular custom has become a part of our culture from generation to generation. They have added stability and certainty to our social life. Customs are found in all the communities of the world. No society can do without them. Therefore, customs act as an effective means of social control. Individuals can hardly escape their grip. Customs also provide the background from the formulation and establishment of rules. Customs become laws when the state enforces them as rules to be abided by the citizen.
