Normens vägar och frågetecken

Abstract

The question of norms

Norms have three functions: they define, describe and pre/proscribe. For sociology, the important thing is that norms are rules of conduct. But not all action is rule-governed. There is also rational (instrumental) action, as studied by rational choice. Most concrete actions are both normative and rational. To what extent actions are normative and to what extent they are rational is an empirical matter. Important questions for an empirical approach to social norms include the following: what are the conditions favouring normative and rational action respectively? What are the most important types of social norms and how do they work? When do norms emerge and when do the cease to affect action?