What are norms in the context of culture?

Norms are defined as specific behavioral expectations that guide individual actions within a culture. They serve as the unwritten rules that dictate how individuals are expected to behave in various situations. Norms can vary significantly across different cultures and contexts, influencing everything from everyday interactions to significant social practices.

In this sense, norms function to maintain social order and facilitate cooperation among members of a society by setting clear guidelines for acceptable behavior. These expectations can range from formal laws to informal customs, shaping how individuals conduct themselves in social settings.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of norms. General beliefs held by all members of society relate more to shared values rather than specific behavioral guidelines. Societal rules that can never be violated suggest rigidity, whereas some norms can be flexible and subject to change. Lastly, irregular behaviors that confuse social structures do not reflect the purpose of norms, which are designed to create clarity and consistency rather than confusion.