social customs
Society's unwritten rules
Social customs are the shared practices and behaviors that a group or society expects in particular situations.
They govern everyday interactions—how to greet people, what to wear to funerals, when to bring a gift.
Unlike laws, they carry no formal penalty, but violating them invites disapproval or social awkwardness: Tipping is a social custom in America that confuses foreign visitors.
- handshakesMutual palm grips
- greetingsExpressions upon meeting
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- festivalsOrganized communal celebrations
dress codes · black tie · rituals · taboos · housewarming gifts · thank you notes · personal space · moral codes · superstitions · standing ovation · etiquette · hand gestures · small talk · ceremonies · coming of age · naming ceremonies · baby shower · bows
- cultural heritagefolklore, traditions, folk music revival, museum collections, museums
- culturemusic taste, beliefs, food preferences, festivals, art galleries
- societyclass, citizen, culture, norms, class structure
- cultural historyart history, music history, cultural artifacts, cultural memory, cultural movements
- customsholiday tradition, greeting, rituals, unspoken rules, cheek kissing
- etiquettemanners, politeness, etiquette, table manners, courtesy
social customslaws
Enforceable societal rules
legal codes · legislation · instincts · statutory law · statutes
social customsinstincts
Innate behavioral tendencies
genetic predispositions · animal instincts · survival instincts · inherited traits · evolutionary adaptations
social customsnonconformity
Rejection of prevailing norms
individual expression · idiosyncrasy · antisocial behavior · rebelliousness · individualism