"Cheers" before drinking | Addressing elders with respect |
Apologizing when necessary | Avoiding shoes indoors |
Bowing as a greeting | Celebrating Thanksgiving |
Celebrating anniversaries | Celebrating birthdays |
Clapping after a performance | Expressing condolences |
Giving a firm handshake | Greeting with a wave |
Holding the door open for others | Hosting block parties |
Keeping your voice low in religious places | Kissing on the cheek |
Making eye contact during conversation | Making introductions |
Not interrupting others | Observing a siesta |
Offering a gift when invited into someone's home | Offering congratulations |
Offering your seat to the elderly | Removing hats indoors |
Removing shoes indoors | Responding to invitations |
Rites of passage such as coming of age ceremonies | Saying "bless you" when someone sneezes |
Sending thank-you notes | Shaking hands |
Showing appreciation for gifts | Social dinning such as family dinners |
Standing during the national anthem | Standing when someone enters |
Throwing baby showers | Tipping for services |
Using chopsticks | Using honorifics such as Mr., Mrs. or Sir. |
Using polite language | Visiting newborns |
Wearing costumes on Halloween | Wearing protective charms |
Customs vs Norms
Customs and norms are both types of social expectations. Customs are active things you do to participate in culture such as shaking hands and celebrating Halloween. Norms are things you either do or don't do in order to conform to a culture such as respecting personal space. These overlap and the distinction isn't always clear or important. However, customs are much more oriented towards positive things you do to show respect, engage others and celebrate whereas norms are more oriented to politeness and general social conformity.Summary
Social customs are specific actions that are expected of a social situation or special occasion within a culture. These are viewed as a form of social and cultural participation that help to build and sustain relationships within a culture.
