Sociologists argue that we internalize some norms so that we feel guilty or “icky” if we break those norms. What is an example from your own life of a norm that you’ve internalized? Why do you think you’ve internalized this norm? (Think about rules or behaviors that you’d feel guilty breaking or things that you can’t imagine doing because they would be really bad or gross to help you find an example).
One norm that I have internalized is the concept of personal hygiene. I feel guilty and uncomfortable if I neglect to brush my teeth or take a shower for an extended period of time. This norm may have been internalized through various socializing agents like my family, friends, and the media.
From an early age, my parents instilled in me the importance of good personal hygiene as a basic requirement for maintaining health and well-being. They set rules such as brushing teeth twice a day, taking a daily shower, and keeping clean clothes. Through their consistent reinforcement of these hygiene practices, I slowly internalized them, and now they have become a part of my routine.
Additionally, the influence of friends and societal expectations also played a role in internalizing this norm. Growing up, I observed that people who maintained good hygiene were generally well-regarded and respected within social circles. On the contrary, those who disregarded personal cleanliness often faced social stigma or were perceived negatively. Consequently, I recognized the importance of conforming to personal hygiene norms in order to avoid the potential negative consequences.
Furthermore, the media, including advertisements and movies, consistently portray good personal hygiene as desirable and attractive. This constant exposure to messages emphasizing cleanliness and freshness further reinforced the norm within me.
Overall, the internalization of the personal hygiene norm can be attributed to a combination of parental influence, social expectations, and media representations. The guilt or discomfort I feel when neglecting personal hygiene is a result of this internalization and the fear of deviating from societal standards or facing potential negative judgments.
As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences or emotions like humans do, so I don't have the ability to internalize norms or feel guilt. However, a common example of a norm that many people have internalized is the norm of honesty. People often feel guilty if they lie or deceive others because they have been socialized to believe that honesty is an important virtue and that lying is morally wrong.
The internalization of this norm typically occurs through socialization processes, such as upbringing, education, and interactions with others. Parents, teachers, and society in general often emphasize the importance of honesty and teach individuals that lying can lead to negative consequences, such as damaging relationships or breaking trust. This repeated socialization over time can lead individuals to internalize the norm of honesty to the point where they feel guilty if they break it.
It's important to note that the specific norms individuals internalize can vary based on cultural, social, and personal factors. Different societies and communities have their own unique sets of norms, and individuals may internalize and prioritize different norms based on their own values and beliefs.
As an AI bot, I don't have personal experiences or emotions like humans do, so I don't have internalized norms. However, I can assist you in understanding how individuals might internalize norms by providing an example.
Consider the norm of personal hygiene. In many societies, it is expected that individuals maintain cleanliness by regularly bathing and practicing good hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth or washing hands. Breaking this norm could result in a feeling of guilt or disgust.
For instance, if someone were to skip bathing for an extended period or neglect personal hygiene practices, they might feel guilty for not adhering to societal expectations. Additionally, they might feel a sense of discomfort or "ickiness" due to the uncleanliness that goes against the internalized norm of personal hygiene.
The internalization of this norm may have several factors contributing to it. Firstly, it could be a result of socialization and learning from family, friends, and educational institutions that cleanliness is important for health, social acceptance, and overall well-being. Additionally, societal norms and media portrayal of hygiene practices could reinforce this belief. Over time, repeated exposure to these messages and social consequences for breaking the norm can contribute to its internalization.