2* Using sources A and B and your wider sociological knowledge, explain how norms
are relative. [12]
Source A shows norms are relative through attitudes towards art, depending on where it's
created. Source A has pictures of graffiti on a wall compared to graffiti-style paintings in a
gallery. Graffiti on the street is associated with crime and deviance and disrupts a
community. Whereas graffiti in a gallery is seen as unique and inspiring. Therefore, this
shows that norms are relative depending on where the graffiti is taking place.
Source B shows norms are relative through the development of attitudes towards smoking
through time. In the 1950s, smoking was described as ‘cool and glamorous’ and was
encouraged by many people and the media. However, in recent years, smoking has had
several laws to restrict or ban smoking. Because of health concerns, smoking became
increasingly discouraged and is no longer the norm. Therefore, this shows how norms are
relative through time.
Benedict argues that a culture's history and environment shape our moral system and
norms. Therefore, what counts as ‘normal’ varies from one society to another, showing how
norms are relative to the place and its context. Parsons claims social systems adapt through
‘social evolution’ and norms are defined and redefined as society transitions between
stages, for example, from an agrarian into an industrial society.
are relative. [12]
Source A shows norms are relative through attitudes towards art, depending on where it's
created. Source A has pictures of graffiti on a wall compared to graffiti-style paintings in a
gallery. Graffiti on the street is associated with crime and deviance and disrupts a
community. Whereas graffiti in a gallery is seen as unique and inspiring. Therefore, this
shows that norms are relative depending on where the graffiti is taking place.
Source B shows norms are relative through the development of attitudes towards smoking
through time. In the 1950s, smoking was described as ‘cool and glamorous’ and was
encouraged by many people and the media. However, in recent years, smoking has had
several laws to restrict or ban smoking. Because of health concerns, smoking became
increasingly discouraged and is no longer the norm. Therefore, this shows how norms are
relative through time.
Benedict argues that a culture's history and environment shape our moral system and
norms. Therefore, what counts as ‘normal’ varies from one society to another, showing how
norms are relative to the place and its context. Parsons claims social systems adapt through
‘social evolution’ and norms are defined and redefined as society transitions between
stages, for example, from an agrarian into an industrial society.
