Social Norms Project
There are rules of behavior that we follow in society. Some are said and listed, such as laws, while others are
mostly unsaid and are either folkways or mores. If laws are broken, there are formal sanctions that should fit
the violation. However, if folkways or mores are broken, there are different sanctions that follow. These
sanctions could be as simple as a stare or as serious as social snubbing.
TASK
You and your group will put these social norms to the test by identifying a social norm and going into the
appropriate setting to violate one of those social norms. You will then document your experiment noting the
following:
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What was the social norm you chose to violate?
In what setting did you violate this social norm?
For how long did you violate the norm (was it once, five times, more)?
What were people’s reactions to your violation?
The finished product should have:
1. A short three (3) minute video of your experiment. You can put it on a DVD, iMovie, or any other way
that I may not be aware of to present.
2. An introduction that you will present to the class.
3. A written reflection of your experiment including (present in a couple of sentences):
a. Others’ reactions and how you felt about their reactions
b. Was it easy or not easy to break? Comfortable or uncomfortable? Other thoughts, feelings,
personal reactions.
c. Other comments regarding your reactions to this experiment.
4. We will then share your experience with the class.
IF FOR SOME REASON YOU CAN’T DO A VIDEO, you must find some other ways to share your experiences with
me and the class (let Kumu know what you plan to do).
GUIDELINES
There is one major rule to this assignment: You can’t announce or let anyone in public know that you are
doing an experiment! Because of this rule there must be major guidelines in order to respect other citizens and
to avoid unwanted conflict. Here are some guidelines you must follow:
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No touching other people.
Try not to violate any type of personal space (there are few exceptions)
No norms that involve ridicule or belittling.
You can’t do anything that will disrespect others and would cause them to retaliate.
You are not allowed to laugh during the experiment.
NO BREAKING THE LAW! Choose only folkway or more type norms.
DO NOT PUT YOURSELF IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION AT ANYTIME. This includes causing those in
public to retaliate against you.
MOST IMPORTANT: your camera must be as discreet as possible. If you are in an enclosed area (like an
elevator) you must find a way to video without others knowing.
ABSOLUTELY NO POSTING VIDEO ON THE INTERNET!!! IF YOU DO AND ARE FOUND OUT, IT WILL
RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC 0
Your project is due _______________________________________ and is worth ________________ points.
LIST OF POSSIBLE SOCIAL NORMS TO BREAK
Here is a list of social norms you can violate. If you choose to break a school social norm, or a school
rule, even if for a few minutes, make sure you email someone in administration (like Ms. Martin). You
do not have to choose from this list but YOU MUST LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND MUST
BE APPROVED. (Those with an asterisk next to it has a stipulation attached to it, explained by Kumu).
1. Start a sing-a-long in a crowded elevator
2. Start a cheer in a public restroom
3. Cheer on workers at a food business
4. Start making animal noises in an enclosed crowded area
5. Set up a sleeping bag in the mall where people can see you (but not causing problems)*
6. Facing the wrong way in an elevator. Can shift after each floor
7. High-five students after exiting Akahi (or any other building)*
8. Walk around with boxers on the outside of your shorts or pants in a crowded area
9. Announce out loud to everyone that something amazing just happened to you
10. Do a dance routine in the middle of a crowded area (malls are always great)
11. Set up a picnic area at a fast food restaurant*
12. “Walk the Dog”: Involves two people- one is a dog on a leash, the other is the “master”*
13. Greet people you know well with a “different” greeting*
14. Start doing appropriate exercises/stretches before entering a supermarket
15. Begin flexing like a bodybuilder at the desk of a 24 Hour Fitness or other gym
16. Start smacking yourself in a public area