Norms Around Us

I believe that there are norms at SJSU. One of the norms that SJSU has is a crucial norm. A crucial norm is defined as having a "primary impact on how well the group performs its task."(Harris 47). SJSU has a crucial norm that students will not cheat. It is crucial because if it is not done, then the task of graduating will not be fulfilled. Another crucial norm is for teachers to give test. This norm can be classified as crucial, and implicit. Students sign up for classes knowing that teachers will give a test at some point in the semester. This norm also does not have to be written, as most students have come to expect it.

As far as my group of friends that I spend time with, yes there are norms. One norm is that we all attend a social event at least once a month. This can be something as big as a concert, or as small as dinner. This would also be identified as a crucial norm because if someone misses the event, then members of the group would be disappointed. Another norm that we have is to always tell the truth. I know it may sound hard to believe, but we do practice this norm. An example would be when a friend of ours was going out with a girl that was not right for him. We knew that he cared for her, but we could see her real intentions. We had evidence, but no one wanted to tell him how we felt, in fear of how he would react. But we knew that we had no choice, but to tell him the truth about her.

Henry