What are breaching experiments?

Breaching experiments are systematic social experiments where researchers intentionally violate social norms to observe and analyze the reactions of individuals and groups. The goal of these experiments is to highlight the often-unseen rules that govern social interactions and to uncover the underlying expectations in social settings. By breaking these norms, researchers can study how people respond, both in terms of their immediate reactions and the broader implications for social cohesion and structure.

This approach is rooted in the field of sociology and highlights the importance of social norms in maintaining the fabric of society. The reactions can provide insights into the significance of these norms and the consequences of violating them, such as discomfort, confusion, or attempts to restore social order. Thus, breaching experiments serve as a powerful tool for sociologists to understand the dynamics of social interactions and the importance of compliance with societal expectations.