Fundamental
Concepts
Values, Norms and
Sanctions
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Define values.
List the types of values.
Define norms
Identify the features of norms.
Describe the types of norms.
Define sanctions
List the types of sanctions.
Values
Refers to culturally defined standards by which
people determine desirability, goodness and beauty.
They determine:
The things that are important and are worth striving
for.
They serve as broad guidelines for social living.
Values
Values produce norms; specify appropriate behaviour
Values tend to be hierarchically arranged.
Exist at different levels of generality or abstraction.
Are either explicit (clearly stated) or implicit
(implied/not clear) in varying degrees.
Values are often in conflict with each other.
Values
Types of values
Means values
Instrumental – sought as apart of the effort to achieve
other values.
Ends Values
General and more important to the group.
Ultimate Values
Can no longer be justified by other values.
It is the thing that is most important or desirable.
Core Values
They are key values that are given high priority in society.
Norms
Defined as rules that govern appropriate/acceptable
and inappropriate/unacceptable values, beliefs,
attitudes and behaviours.
Norms
Features
Co-ordinate or direct social interactions.
They are expectations.
They are agreed upon.
They are both formal and informal.
They maybe explicit or implicit.
Vary and evolve through time, age group, social
class and social groups.
Norms
Features
They govern:
Speech, dress and appearance
They are accompanied by sanctions, such as:
Laws, unpopularity, ostracism, unacceptance
Maintained through body language and non-verbal
communication.
They are learned through experience and
experimenting.
Norms
Features
Through them we learn when it is appropriate to:
Say particular things
Use particular words
Discuss particular topics
Wear particular clothes, etc.
Norms
Types of Norms
Folkways or Customs
Standards of behaviour that are socially approved
but, are not morally significant.
There are no formal sanctions or consequences for
violations.
Includes everyday behaviour, traditions, etc.
Norms
Types of Norms
Mores
Strict norms that control moral or ethical behaviour.
They are unwritten but, define right and wrong.
People feel very strongly about them.
Violations are met with strong disapproval since it
endangers social stability.
They are enforced by public sentiment.
Often become the foundations of laws.
Norms
Types of Norms
Taboos
Norms that society holds very strongly; violating
them result in extreme disgust.
Violators are considered as unfit to live society.
Taboos vary greatly depending on the needs,
conditions and traditions (culture) of the particular
society.
Taboos govern almost every behaviour.
Norms
Types of Norms
Laws
Formalized, written norms that specify rules and
carry the threat of punishment.
They are legally enforced by an official law
enforcement body.
Violations result in fines, imprisonment and other
forms of punishment.
Sanctions
Defined as rewards or punishments used to enforce
norms.
They are associated with behaviour, appearance
and speech.
Sanctions
Types of Sanctions
Positive sanctions
These encourage behaviour.
Negative sanctions
These discourage behaviour.
Sanctions
Types of Sanctions
Formal sanctions
Rewards and punishment used to enforce the laws of
organisations, institutions and societies.
They are carried out by a regulatory body.
The police
Sanctions
Types of Sanctions
Informal Sanctions
Tend to be unwritten and are personal relations
involving folkways and mores.
Are often based on public opinion.
Conclusion
Values define the things that are good, desirable,
important, beautiful or ugly.
Norms define acceptable and unacceptable
behaviour, beliefs, attitudes and values.
Sanctions are rewards or punishment that reinforce
norms.
References
Chinapoo, C., James, N., & Lee-Paisley, M. (2014).
CAPE Sociology. Harlow: Pearson Education
Limited.
Giddens, A. (1997). Sociology. Oxford: Blackwell
Publishers Ltd.
Mohammed, J. (2007). Caribbean Studies for CAPE
Examinations. Oxford: Macmillan Education.
Readings
Chinapoo, C., James, N., & Lee-Paisley, M. (2014).
CAPE Sociology. Harlow: Pearson Education
Limited.
Giddens, A. (1997). Sociology. Oxford: Blackwell
Publishers Ltd.
Mohammed, J. (2007). Caribbean Studies for CAPE
Examinations. Oxford: Macmillan Education.
