Course: SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Dr. Lisa Nguyen
Assignment: Social Norms in Action
Due Date: Friday, 10/27/25, by 11:59 PM
Assignment Overview:
In this assignment, you will conduct a short field observation of a public or semi-public space to explore how social norms influence human behavior. Your task is to observe how people follow or break social rules in everyday environments and then analyze your findings using sociological concepts we've covered in class.
Choose a setting where people interact socially (e.g., a cafeteria, coffee shop, campus quad, library, store, or bus stop).
Spend 30–45 minutes observing human behavior. Do not interact or record people—this is strictly an observational exercise.
Take notes on:
- Common behaviors or patterns you notice
- Moments when someone violates or challenges a norm
- Reactions from others in the space
Write a 2–3 page analysis (double-spaced) addressing the following:
- Describe the setting and context
- What social norms were evident in this environment?
- How were norms enforced (explicitly or implicitly)?
- Describe at least one incident of norm violation and its outcome
- Apply two sociological concepts from class (e.g., symbolic interactionism, role conflict, folkways vs. mores, etc.)
- Review Chapters 3 & 4 of your textbook for help identifying norms.
- Avoid spaces where people expect privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms).
- Keep your tone respectful and academic—do not mock or judge individuals.
- Upload your assignment as a PDF or Word document on Canvas.