Question

What is Real norm and Ideal norm? Also give an example of real norm v/s ideal norm from interactions in everyday life.

Answer 1

• Ideal norms refers to those standards which we as a society are supposed to follow indicating our proper behaviour,whereas real norms refer to those standards which a society actually follows.Ideal norms are more optimistic than the real norms.
• For example,an ideal norm related to marriage would be,to never fight and seek divorce.This is a morally right behaviour which we as a society are supposed to follow to have a happy and long-lasting marriage.
• But real norms are different.The society is actually following the standards of divorce,when small fghts happen between married couple,since everyone has become so impatient and lack commitment in relationships.This doesnt provides a positive picture of the marriage norm.
• Another example in our daily lives is,traffic norms.Ideally,we have to follow traffic rules for saving time and reaching our destinations safely but in reality,how many people follow these norms.Real norms of traffic include, honking excessively,going beyond the speed limit,sometimes crossing the red light etc.
• Ideally the norms or rules of my house say that everyone should have dinner by exactly 8pm but in reality nobody follows that.We never have my entire family sitting together and sharing a meal.Thats the ideal expectation which is in reality is never followed,what is followed is everyone eating at their own different time.