Choosing Models of Society and Social Norms: Improving Choices and Quality of Life

Choosing Models of Society and Social Norms: Improving Choices and Quality of Life
ISBN-10
076181454X
ISBN-13
9780761814542
Category
Social Science
Pages
341
Language
English
Published
1999
Publisher
University Press of America
Author
Adolfo Critto

Description

Choosing Models of Society and Social Norms offers an innovative approach to social norms and decision-making that encourages the identification of social norms, along with their causes and consequences. Adolfo Critto points out that social norms condition behavior, but are also conditioned by human decisions. He notes that social norms generally only provide partial and temporary solutions to human needs and problems, so must be critically analyzed in order to understand their relationship to decision making. Critto approaches this relationship through "sacred" (focused on transcendent ends) and "expedient" (focused on efficient means) value orientations, warning that a one-sided focus on either of these orientations leads to inconsistency. He stresses the importance of language, communication, and education, showing how they relate to social norms. Through his analysis, the author provides an understanding of the creation of social norms, what influences them, and the evaluation of those that already exist.

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