Question

Which of the following subway announcements are attempts to establish or enforce a social norm? \(\left[\mathrm{LO}_{19.4}\right]\) a. "Loud music and phone conversations are discourteous to fellow riders. Please keep the noise down." b. "If you see something, say something." c. "Please watch your step as you exit. Be careful of the gap between the train and the platform edge." d. "Please be patient and allow others to exit the train before you attempt to enter." e. "The train is being held at the station due to traffic ahead. We apologize for the inconvenience."

Short answer

Announcements a, b, and d attempt to establish or enforce social norms.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Definition of Social Norms

Social norms are informal understandings or rules that govern the behaviors of members of a society. Typically, these are customary ways that people are expected to behave in particular situations.

Analyze Each Announcement for Social Norms

Inspect each subway announcement and check if it reflects a behavior that is expected from passengers as per social norms. - **Statement a:** "Loud music and phone conversations are discourteous to fellow riders. Please keep the noise down." This suggests a social behavior that passengers should follow to avoid disturbing others. - **Statement b:** "If you see something, say something." This encourages passengers to report suspicious activities, reinforcing a collective safety behavior. - **Statement c:** "Please watch your step as you exit. Be careful of the gap between the train and the platform edge." This is a safety guideline rather than a social norm enforcement. - **Statement d:** "Please be patient and allow others to exit the train before you attempt to enter." This addresses basic courtesy and expected behavior in crowded spaces. - **Statement e:** "The train is being held at the station due to traffic ahead. We apologize for the inconvenience." This provides information and a courtesy apology but not an enforcement of social norms.

Conclusion on Which Announcements Enforce Social Norms

From the analysis, statements a, b, and d serve to establish or enforce social norms by suggesting or requesting specific behaviors: discourtesy reduction, reporting suspicious activity, and courtesy in boarding. Statement c is a safety message while statement e is informational and does not direct social behavior.

Key concepts

Informal Rules

Informal rules are the unwritten guidelines that define how members of a society are expected to behave. These rules develop organically over time. They differ from formal rules, like laws and regulations, which are codified and enforced by official institutions. Informal rules typically arise from shared experiences and cultural practices within a group. They help people coordinate and predict the behavior of others, contributing to social cohesion. Some characteristics of informal rules include:

• Flexibility: They can change over time and vary between different cultural contexts.
• Implicit Understanding: Unlike formal rules, people understand them through social interactions, not education or written documents.
• Social Enforcement: Adherence is often encouraged through social pressure, such as approval or disapproval from peers.

For example, subway announcements like, "Loud music and phone conversations are discourteous to fellow riders," are attempts to enforce informal rules by reminding commuters to consider other passengers' comfort.

Behavioral Expectations

Behavioral expectations refer to the anticipated ways in which individuals are expected to act in given situations. These expectations are shaped by cultural norms, past experiences, and social interactions. When riding public transportation, like a subway, passengers are expected to follow certain behaviors to ensure smooth operations and mutual respect among passengers. Such expectations include:

• Keeping noise levels down to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Waiting for others to exit the train before entering, allowing proper passenger flow.
• Reporting anything unusual to uphold collective safety.

Subway announcements often serve as reminders of these behavioral expectations. For instance, the announcement "Please be patient and allow others to exit the train before you attempt to enter" encourages passengers to follow a behavior that is considerate and helps in managing passenger movement efficiently.

Society Behavior

Society behavior refers to the collective actions and attitudes of a community. It is influenced by cultural values, social norms, and shared understandings which guide how people interact with one another daily. On subways, society behavior manifests in how passengers navigate shared spaces. This behavior is guided by a mix of personal habits, external instructions (like announcements), and common courtesy. By understanding society behavior, commuters can:

• Promote a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for everyone.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of individuals in shared public spaces.
• Contribute to a community's well-being by aligning with positive collective practices.

The announcement "If you see something, say something" is not only a safety measure but a call for community-watch behavior that enhances security through vigilance. Society behavior on public transportation is a reflection of broader societal norms, ensuring good order and social harmony.