AMST212 study guide by Laura Polk

injunctive - what people are expected to do

polklaurae — 2025-04-06 19:52:43 UTC

descriptive - what people actually do

polklaurae — 2025-04-06 19:52:50 UTC

sanctions - means of enforcing social norms

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:37:53 UTC

formal: laws, regulations

informal: gossip, body language

social norm: commercials during sports events are usually a time when people get up to get more snacks, etc

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:38:20 UTC

deviation - when a social norm is not followed

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:39:56 UTC

deviation - Apple 1984 commercial changed the norm to make commercials nearly as highly anticipated as main event

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:40:12 UTC

sanction (informal): annual list recapping the "best" Super Bowl commercials

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:40:32 UTC

deviation - 5 men breaking into the DNC offices to plant listening devices, Nixon covering it up

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:41:10 UTC

sanctions (formal) - 5 men arrested and convicted, Nixon faced impeachment

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 05:41:42 UTC

deviation - involuntary enlisting through draft

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sanctions (informal) against war - protests on university campuses

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injunctive norms

polklaurae — 2025-04-07 18:29:10 UTC

obeying traffic laws - speed limits, using turn signals, stopping at red lights

sanctions

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formal - paying fines for exceeding speed limit

rise in service industries - gas stations, motels, roadside diners

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mass production made cars more affordable, increased demand for steel and rubber

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led to creation of car financing industry

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descriptive norm

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common for teens to drive a parent's car or have one of their own

Rosa Parks refusing to give up bus seat (1955)

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 08:51:14 UTC

old norm:

Black people were expected to give up seats to white people on public buses in the South

sanctions:

Parks was arrested
Black people boycotted the public buses, walked to work instead
gained attention of national media

new norm:

all public transportation was integrated

Muhammed Ali refusing Vietnam War draft (1967)

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 08:54:47 UTC

old norm:

anyone drafted was expected to fight in Vietnam War

sanctions:

Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title, banned from boxing
his stance garnered support from those opposed to the war

new norm:

public opinion eventually turned against war

introduction of Iphone, the first smartphone (2007)

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 09:02:16 UTC

old norm:

mobile phones used to make calls, send texts

sanctions:

people stood in line for hours waiting to buy latest iphone
other mobile companies made their own version
apps made regular tasks easier, such as paying for parking, food delivery

new norm:

most people need smartphones to carry out basic functions

formal

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 16:04:38 UTC

Scholarships or grants for students demonstrating academic achievement
Employee promotions for hard work
Public awards (e.g., National Teacher of the Year) that elevate leadership, strong work ethic, achievement

informal

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 16:05:34 UTC

Praise or compliments for polite or respectful behavior ("You did great!")
Social acceptance and inclusion (being invited to parties, respected by peers)
Public support (for example: applause) for a good deed or performance

rewards for following norms

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punishments for breaking norms

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formal

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Fines or imprisonment for illegal actions like theft or violence
Academic suspension or expulsion for plagiarism or misconduct
Job termination for violating company policies
License revocation for medical or legal professionals who violate ethical codes

informal

polklaurae — 2025-05-06 16:15:00 UTC

Gossip or social exclusion if someone breaks accepted social rules
Disapproving looks or comments for cutting in line, using offensive language, or being rude
Cancel culture or online backlash for statements or actions perceived as discriminatory or disrespectful
loss of public support, trust

“Five men, one of whom said he is a former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency, were arrested at 2:30 a.m. yesterday in what authorities described as an elaborate plot to bug the offices of the Democratic National Committee here….They were surprised at gunpoint by three plain-clothes officers of the metropolitan police department in a sixth floor office at the plush Watergate, 2600 Virginia Ave., NW, where the Democratic National Committee occupies the entire floor.”

polklaurae — 2025-05-18 06:07:23 UTC

source: 5 Held in Plot to Bug Democrats' Office Here, Washington Post, Sunday, June 18, 1972

Formal sanctions: legal - They were held at gunpoint by law enforcement and arrested

“All in all, Super Bowl Sunday makes for a great excuse to enjoy all your favorite dishes and snacks, made all the more crave-able thanks to the commercials touting the most refreshing beers, mouthwatering ingredients, and binge-able junk food. And in the spirit of competition, I've pitted the Super Bowl commercials against one another — these are the ones that score the most TDs in my book.”

polklaurae — 2025-05-18 06:12:46 UTC

I Watched All The Super Bowl Commercials—Here Are The Best Ones So Far, Delish.com, February 10, 2025

informal: an article that lists the Super Bowl commercials considered the best, which enforces the notion that they are as popular as the game itself

"...approximately 50 supporters ... had assembled peacefully behind the barricade, in nearby yards, and elsewhere in the neighborhood, including in front of the house [and] directly behind the Gonzalez family’s home to demonstrate their support for Elián and the Gonzalez family. Some supporters were talking; others were praying. Approximately eight women sitting in lawn chairs were representatives of an organization known as “Mothers Against Repression.”

polklaurae — 2025-05-18 06:19:57 UTC

source: Why the Elián Gonzalez saga resonates 20 years later, Vox.com, November 11, 2019

informal: neighbors gathered around home of the Gonzalez family giving support

formal: organization formed to support called “Mothers Against Repression”

Each excerpt contains at least one example of a sanction. Name the example and the type of sanction (formal or informal) and explain why.

polklaurae — 2025-05-18 06:21:09 UTC

deviation: acquittal of police after beating of motorist Rodney King; probation for store owner who shot Latasha Harlin

polklaurae — 2025-05-19 10:09:28 UTC

deviation: violence broke out, businesses were looted and burned

polklaurae — 2025-05-19 10:10:14 UTC