How do the views in society effect people's behavior?

Answer 1

There is much controversy over this question, and many scientists and sociologists are studying it all the time. Certainly, though, there are societal norms - behaviors that are generally accepted by all members of society to be right and normal. When one individual's behavior deviates too far from what is considered normal by the group, there's great upheaval - the group will decide whether to ostracize, to shun, or to accept the behavior given a bit of time. If the behavior harms no one, there is a greater chance of acceptance, but the society may take some time to observe, sometimes with wary regard. If the behavior is harmful to anyone in the society, the person is regarded with suspicion and may be avoided. If the behavior is obviously harmful, even subtly, then the behavior, and the person doing it, will be shunned and even ostracized. In this way, we influence behavior - we encourage those behaviors that benefit society; examples: altruism, heroism, generosity, honesty. Some will discourage those behaviors whose benefits are questionable or where it may be perceived as harmful; examples: homosexuality, birth out of wedlock. However, in cases such as these, there may be a lot of debate on the issue by the society as a whole as to whether there actually is harm before a conclusion is reached by society as a whole. Definitely, the group will discourage harmful behaviors such as criminal acts, violence, and adultery. In these behaviors there is always an injured party, though the injury may not be physical. As society progresses, some behaviors are re-visited. A good example is that as gays become more visible, the taboo that has kept them in the closet for many years lifts. It is a circular situation - as more is known, less is feared, and as less is feared, more come forward to answer questions, thus more is known and a lifestyle once ostracized becomes more mainstream. So it was with the women's movement beginning with the right to vote - as more women stepped forward to be heard, they were given more notice, more encouragement, and so more women stepped up - as a behavior begins to gain acceptance, more individuals will step in and add their voices to the few that began the movement. Faith and morality play a large part in the influencing of behaviors. People of faith generally base their values on The Bible or other holy book, and feel that they have the moral high ground if behaviors are called into question. Sometimes this argument can become the over-zealous so-called protection of values based on the very narrow views of a few very vocal individuals, which then remains unchallenged for a period of time. As more is known and the view becomes broader, these objections often erode and societal influence is diminished. As more and more people take an interest in an issue, influence will be felt quicker - if a subject isn't well known, it takes time for enough people to learn about it to create a swell of support or disagreement. Eventually, if the society is alive and vital, things change as progress is made and more is known. Time and information will help change society's view on any given subject, and then, once more, the influence will exert itself and things will change again.