Question

Ben works at a local hospital. Every day he takes the elevator to his office on the tenth floor. He has noticed that once he steps into the elevator, he looks straight ahead at the elevator door and does not make verbal or eye contact with others. This behavior is an example of __________. institutionalization social movement path depend

Answer 1

Answer:

This behavior is an example of social norm.

Explanation:

In sociology, a social norm is an informal rule or guideline to people's behavior. In other words, it is some type of (in)action people expect from themselves and others under certain circumstances. Elevators are confined spaces where complete strangers end up standing side by side. Even a whisper can be heard across the place, which makes talking uncomfortable and intrusive. Staring at others or trying to make small talk is also frowned upon. Even though nobody says it, everyone is just anxiously waiting to get out of the elevator and feel free again. Ben knows that informal rule and acts according to it. He does not want to make anyone uncomfortable, so he avoids eye contact and talking. Ben is complying to a social norm.