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Norm (Sociology)
A principle of conduct that is encouraged to be followed by members of any given group. Norms are somewhat more informal than rules, regulations, or laws. Norms offer a prototype of behavior that is deemed to be “normal” by society. While the violation of norms may result in disapproval from the group, it does not generally result in formal punishment (unlike the violation of laws or regulations). When a given practice or behavior becomes very common, it is said to become the norm.
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