Types of standards: What is it, Characteristics and Meanings


Types of standards

The norms are those rules or guidelines of behavior that are established to put into practice and achieve a harmonious and respectful coexistence . Hence, there are different types of rules applied depending on the place or situation in which we find ourselves.

In all communities and social organizations there are norms in order to guide our behaviors and identify what is or is not allowed to do in various circumstances. For example, libraries should be silent, give place to pregnant women in public transport, among others.

Legal norms

The legal norms are those that dictate the diverse legal or juridical institutions of the State in order to control the social conducts, reduce the crimes and other actions that threaten the social welfare in general.

These are rules that are written and legally approved, therefore, non-compliance can lead to various sanctions or fines, even jail time. For example, tax evasion is punishable by law, and depending on the seriousness of the matter, the person can pay a fine or be jailed.

Moral standards

Moral norms are related to the ethical and moral values that each person puts into practice and that are generally recognized by society.

In this sense, they are rules that regulate individual behavior in order to differentiate good from bad acts. They are not written in any text and failure to comply can lead to repentance.

Therefore, moral norms have to do with the awareness that each individual has about the consequences of their actions, both for themselves and with others. They are even related to human dignity. Therefore, its compliance or not will depend on the attitude that the person takes.

For example, we all know that the honesty of our actions will lead others to believe in us. Likewise, job responsibility is an example of the moral standards that many people put into practice.

Social norms

Social norms encompass all those rules that, after an implicit agreement, are recognized and accepted by all citizens , and that are related to the culture of each society. These are norms that evaluate people's behavior.

Therefore, social norms are intended to regulate the behavior of all people, encouraging respect, diversity, freedom, among others, in order to achieve a harmonious coexistence.

These rules are not written and do not imply a legal punishment, they are simply part of the conscience of each individual and of the need to establish respect among all equally.

On the other hand, these norms vary over time to adjust to the needs of society and its constant changes.

As an example of social norms, we can mention the act of greeting neighbors, taking care of public spaces, not interrupting the conversations of third parties, respecting privacy, among others..

Family norms

Family norms are those that relate to family values and are taught in each home. Therefore, in each family there are different norms according to their context, life dynamics, customs and needs.

These rules also seek family well-being and healthy coexistence among all family members. For example, each child should be organized and once they are done playing, they should put their toys away in order to keep the house tidy and to avoid tripping when walking. You can also mention the need to establish a sleep time, among others.

Religious norms

Religious norms are diverse according to the religion that is practiced , therefore they vary between religious beliefs or doctrines. These norms are written in various sacred texts.

However, in general they are also rules that seek to regulate people's behavior and their breach can lead to spiritual punishment or punishment. For example, attending the temple, not committing sins, among others..

Protocol rules

The rules of protocol or etiquette are those that establish the way in which people must act, dress or present themselves in certain special situations such as a public act, a dinner or a particular corporate event.

For example, as a standard of etiquette, the modes of greeting and reception that must be observed in public events attended by various political representatives are included.

Linguistic norms

Linguistic norms are those that establish the rules of spelling and grammar for the correct use and practice of a language . For example, the rules of accentuation in Spanish. These are rules that do not affect people's behavior, but their way of communicating so that the message sent is understood.

    • Update date: March 9, 2021.

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