The Element of Norms1. Definition of norms 【T1】_____

In this section you will hear a talk. You will hear the talk ONCE ONLY. While listening, you may look at ANSWER SHEET ONE and write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each gap. Make sure the word(s)you fill in is(are)both grammatically and semantically acceptable. You may use the blank sheet for note-taking.
    You have THIRTY seconds to preview the gap-filling task.
     (a thirty-second interval)
    Now listen to the talk. When it is over, you will be given TWO minutes to complete your work.
                          The Element of Norms
    Good afternoon, everybody. Today we’ll go on with our discussion about "The Element of Norms".
    What are norms? Norms can be defined as the established standards of behavior maintained by a society. Well, you know, all societies have ways of encouraging and enforcing what they view as appropriate behavior while discouraging and punishing what they consider to be improper conducts.
    Now we’ll have a look at the types of norms. Sociologists distinguish norms in two ways. First, norms can be classified as formal and informal. Formal norms have generally been written down and involve strict rules for punishment of violators. Laws are an example of formal norms, because in a political sense, the law is the body of rules, made by government for society, interpreted by the courts, and backed by the state. Besides, the requirements for a college major are also formal norms.
    By contrast, informal norms are generally understood but are not precisely recorded. Standards of proper dress are a common example of informal norms. Our society has no specific punishment or sanction if a student comes to college dressed quite differently from everyone else.
    Second, norms are also classified by their relative importance to society. When classified this way, they are known as mores and folkways. Mores are norms that are regarded highly necessary to the welfare of a society, often because they embody the most valuable principles of a people. Each society demands obedience to its mores, and violation can lead to severe penalties. For example, our society has strong mores against murder and treason. Folkways are norms governing everyday behavior whose violation raises relatively little concern. For example, walking up a " down" escalator in a department store challenges our standards of appropriate behavior, but it will not result in a fine or a jail sentence.
    Now we’ll talk about the acceptance of norms. First, norms, whether mores or folkways, are not followed in all situations. For example, although smoking in public is forbidden, we often find people smoking in buses or other public places.
    Second, norms are violated in some instances because one norm conflicts with another. Take family violence for example. If you decide to intervene by calling the police, you are violating the norm of "mind your own business" or "don’t interfere with other family’s business" , while at the same time you are following the norm of assisting a victim of violence.
    Then, even when norms do not conflict, there are always exceptions to any norm. The same action, under different circumstances, can cause one to be viewed either as a hero or as a villain. For example, Eavesdropping on telephone conversation is normally considered illegal or mean, but it can be done by the police to obtain valid evidence for a criminal trial.
    Acceptance of norms is also subjected to change, as the political, economic, and social conditions of a culture are transformed. For example, under traditional norms, a woman was expected to marry, rear children, and remain at home if her husband could support the family. However, these norms have been changing in recent decades, and more and more women are ready to or encouraged to have her own career and support the family together with her husband.
    To sum up, norms are established standards of behavior maintained by a society. They are distinguished in two ways, that is, formal or informal norms according to their formality, and mores and folkways according to their relative importance to society. People in a culture normally follow its norms, but acceptance of norms differs in different situations and social conditions.
    That’s all. Thank you for your attention.