Norms that are codified and include strict rules for punishment are known as what?

Prepare for the CLEP Sociology Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with detailed explanations and hints. Enhance your readiness for the exam day!

The correct choice, which describes norms that are codified and include strict rules for punishment, is formal norms. Formal norms are established by formal institutions, such as laws or regulations, and they are documented. They carry specific consequences for violations, which can include legal penalties or formal sanctions. This codification makes them distinct from informal norms, which are unwritten and more flexible social expectations governing behavior but lack the stringent enforcement mechanisms.

Formal norms play a crucial role in maintaining order within a society by providing clear guidelines on acceptable behaviors and the penalties for those who violate these rules. The strictness of the punishment associated with formal norms often serves as a deterrent against deviant behaviors, thereby promoting compliance and stability in social conduct.

In contrast, informal norms—while they govern behavior as well—lack formalized enforcement and are often upheld through social pressure and expectations rather than official sanctions. Social customs are broader societal practices that may not necessarily be codified or associated with specific punishments, and cultural norms encompass the collective beliefs and values that influence behaviors, ranging from formal to informal expressions.

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