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Cristina Bicchieri
This is a course on social norms, the rules that glue societies together. It teaches how to diagnose social norms, and how to distinguish them from other social constructs, like customs or conventions. These distinctions are crucial for effective policy interventions aimed to create new, beneficial norms or eliminate harmful ones. The course teaches how to measure social norms and the expectations that support them, and how to decide whether they cause specific behaviors. The course is a joint Penn-UNICEF project, and it includes many examples of norms that sustain behaviors like child marriage, gender violence and sanitation practices.
Read more
This is a course on social norms, the rules that glue societies together. It teaches how to diagnose social norms, and how to distinguish them from other social constructs, like customs or conventions. These distinctions are crucial for effective policy interventions aimed to create new, beneficial norms or eliminate harmful ones. The course teaches how to measure social norms and the expectations that support them, and how to decide whether they cause specific behaviors. The course is a joint Penn-UNICEF project, and it includes many examples of norms that sustain behaviors like child marriage, gender violence and sanitation practices.
Read more
This is a course on social norms, the rules that glue societies together. It teaches how to diagnose social norms, and how to distinguish them from other social constructs, like customs or conventions. These distinctions are crucial for effective policy interventions aimed to create new, beneficial norms or eliminate harmful ones. The course teaches how to measure social norms and the expectations that support them, and how to decide whether they cause specific behaviors. The course is a joint Penn-UNICEF project, and it includes many examples of norms that sustain behaviors like child marriage, gender violence and sanitation practices.
This is Part 1 of the Social Norms, Social Change series. In these lectures, I introduce all the basic concepts and definitions, such as social expectations and conditional preferences, that help us distinguish between different types of social practices like customs, descriptive norms and social norms. Expectations and preferences can be measured, and these lectures explain how to measure them. Measurement is crucial to understanding the nature of the practice you are facing, as well as whether an intervention was or was not successful, and why. In Part 2, we will put into practice all we have learned in Part 1.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Interdependent & Independent Actions + Empirical Expectations
Welcome Social Norms, Social Change. This course aims to give you the tools to understand, measure, and change collective practices. This module focuses on two of the basic building blocks the theory of social norms is built on: the distinction between interdependent and independent behavior, and empirical expectations.
Read more
Syllabus
Interdependent & Independent Actions + Empirical Expectations
Welcome Social Norms, Social Change. This course aims to give you the tools to understand, measure, and change collective practices. This module focuses on two of the basic building blocks the theory of social norms is built on: the distinction between interdependent and independent behavior, and empirical expectations.
Read more
Normative Expectations + Personal Normative Beliefs
This module adds two more of the basic building blocks of the theory: normative expectations and personal normative beliefs. Although both are "normative" — that is, both have a component dealing with a "should" — there are important differences between normative expectations and personal normative beliefs.
Conditional Preferences + Social Norms
In this module we cover two topics: conditional preferences and social norms. Conditional preferences are the final basic building block of the theory of social norms. After studying all these building blocks, we can finally assemble them to understand what it means for a collective practice to be a social norm.
Pluralistic Ignorance + Measuring Norms
This module covers two important topics: pluralistic ignorance and norm measurement. Sometimes individuals endorse their social norms, but sometimes they do not. Knowing when a norm is endorsed is crucial for intervention. But how do we know we are dealing with a social norm or whether it's endorsed? Measurement answers that question.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches essential concepts in social norms, such as expectations and preferences
Examines the measurement and endorsement of social norms, providing a practical foundation
Features examples from child marriage, gender violence, and sanitation practices, providing real-world context
Instructors have expertise in social norms and behavior, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation
Part of a series on social norms, enabling learners to delve deeper into the topic
Save this course
Save Social Norms, Social Change I to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Adequate start in social norms
Learners say this course adequately sets the foundation for understanding social norms and related concepts across cultures. Note that some lectures may be unclear, especially during the first few weeks, and it's recommended to take notes to keep up with the complex vocabulary and concepts introduced.
Uses examples from around the world, especially from Unicef.
To keep up, it's important to take notes.
"I found it important to take notes."
Covers basic concepts and creates framework for understanding social norms.
"This first class creates the vocabulary and concept framework to understand social norms, customs, beliefs, expectations, etc."
The student discussion is limited.
"student discussion functionality is weak"
Early lectures are unclear, and the course is very academic.
"First two weeks were a waste of time and generally unclear."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Social Norms, Social Change I with these
activities:
Brush up on basic economics and sociology
Show steps
Reviewing these foundational concepts will provide a strong footing for understanding the complex interplay of social norms.
Browse courses on
Economics
Show steps
-
Reread introductory textbooks or notes from previous courses.
-
Complete practice problems and exercises to test your understanding.
-
Attend a workshop or refresher course on the topic.
Identify social expectations and norms
Show steps
Practice distinguishing between social expectations and norms to build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
-
Read the course module on social expectations and norms
-
Complete the practice exercises at the end of the module
Read 'Norms and Social Action' by Michael Hechter
Show steps
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of social norms, laying a solid theoretical foundation.
View
Rational Choice Sociology
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
-
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
-
Engage in discussions with classmates or online forums to deepen your understanding.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Discuss the role of social norms in shaping behavior
Show steps
Engage in peer discussion to explore the complex relationship between social norms and individual behavior.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
-
Form a small group with other students
-
Prepare talking points on the assigned topic
-
Facilitate a discussion on the role of social norms in shaping behavior
-
Summarize the key points and insights from the discussion
Follow video tutorials on measuring social norms
Show steps
These tutorials will provide practical guidance on how to conduct empirical research on social norms, equipping you with valuable skills.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
-
Identify relevant online tutorials and resources.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and complete any exercises or quizzes.
-
Apply the techniques learned in the tutorials to a small-scale research project of your own.
Complete exercises on identifying and analyzing social norms
Show steps
Regular practice will sharpen your ability to recognize and interpret social norms in various contexts.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Find online exercises or create your own scenarios.
-
Analyze the scenarios, identify the social norms present, and explain their implications.
-
Discuss your findings with others to gain diverse perspectives.
Develop a case study on a social norm
Show steps
Deepen understanding of social norms by creating a case study that explores its characteristics and impact.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
-
Choose a specific social norm to focus on
-
Research the norm and gather data on its prevalence, enforcement, and consequences
-
Analyze the data and identify the key factors that shape the norm
-
Write a report that presents your findings and insights
Develop a presentation on a specific social norm
Show steps
Creating a presentation will challenge you to synthesize your understanding of a particular social norm and communicate it effectively.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
Show steps
-
Choose a specific social norm to focus on.
-
Research the topic thoroughly to gather evidence and insights.
-
Organize your content into a logical and engaging presentation.
-
Practice your presentation and incorporate feedback.
Volunteer with an organization focused on promoting social change
Show steps
Real-world experience in promoting social change will provide insights into the practical application of social norms.
Browse courses on
Social Change
Show steps
-
Identify a non-profit organization or community group that aligns with your interests.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Participate in activities that promote social norms and positive change.
Mentor younger students or peers in understanding social norms
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of social norms while fostering a sense of community.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor through university programs or community initiatives.
-
Share your knowledge and insights on social norms with your mentees.
-
Provide guidance and support to help mentees develop their own understanding of the topic.
Organize and summarize the key takeaways from the course
Show steps
Synthesizing your notes and identifying the most important concepts will enhance your recall and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
-
Review your class notes, readings, and other materials.
-
Identify key themes, concepts, and theories related to social norms.
-
Create a summary document that outlines the main takeaways.
Brush up on basic economics and sociology
Show steps
Reviewing these foundational concepts will provide a strong footing for understanding the complex interplay of social norms.
Browse courses on
Economics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reread introductory textbooks or notes from previous courses.
- Complete practice problems and exercises to test your understanding.
- Attend a workshop or refresher course on the topic.
Identify social expectations and norms
Show steps
Practice distinguishing between social expectations and norms to build a strong foundation for understanding the course material.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the course module on social expectations and norms
- Complete the practice exercises at the end of the module
Read 'Norms and Social Action' by Michael Hechter
Show steps
This classic work provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of social norms, laying a solid theoretical foundation.
View
Rational Choice Sociology
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts and arguments.
- Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words.
- Engage in discussions with classmates or online forums to deepen your understanding.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Discuss the role of social norms in shaping behavior
Show steps
Engage in peer discussion to explore the complex relationship between social norms and individual behavior.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a small group with other students
- Prepare talking points on the assigned topic
- Facilitate a discussion on the role of social norms in shaping behavior
- Summarize the key points and insights from the discussion
Follow video tutorials on measuring social norms
Show steps
These tutorials will provide practical guidance on how to conduct empirical research on social norms, equipping you with valuable skills.
Browse courses on
Research Methods
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant online tutorials and resources.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step and complete any exercises or quizzes.
- Apply the techniques learned in the tutorials to a small-scale research project of your own.
Complete exercises on identifying and analyzing social norms
Show steps
Regular practice will sharpen your ability to recognize and interpret social norms in various contexts.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online exercises or create your own scenarios.
- Analyze the scenarios, identify the social norms present, and explain their implications.
- Discuss your findings with others to gain diverse perspectives.
Develop a case study on a social norm
Show steps
Deepen understanding of social norms by creating a case study that explores its characteristics and impact.
Browse courses on
Social Norms
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific social norm to focus on
- Research the norm and gather data on its prevalence, enforcement, and consequences
- Analyze the data and identify the key factors that shape the norm
- Write a report that presents your findings and insights
Develop a presentation on a specific social norm
Show steps
Creating a presentation will challenge you to synthesize your understanding of a particular social norm and communicate it effectively.
Browse courses on
Presentation Skills
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific social norm to focus on.
- Research the topic thoroughly to gather evidence and insights.
- Organize your content into a logical and engaging presentation.
- Practice your presentation and incorporate feedback.
Volunteer with an organization focused on promoting social change
Show steps
Real-world experience in promoting social change will provide insights into the practical application of social norms.
Browse courses on
Social Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a non-profit organization or community group that aligns with your interests.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Participate in activities that promote social norms and positive change.
Mentor younger students or peers in understanding social norms
Show steps
Mentoring others will reinforce your understanding of social norms while fostering a sense of community.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor through university programs or community initiatives.
- Share your knowledge and insights on social norms with your mentees.
- Provide guidance and support to help mentees develop their own understanding of the topic.
Organize and summarize the key takeaways from the course
Show steps
Synthesizing your notes and identifying the most important concepts will enhance your recall and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your class notes, readings, and other materials.
- Identify key themes, concepts, and theories related to social norms.
- Create a summary document that outlines the main takeaways.
Career center
Learners who complete Social Norms, Social Change I will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Social Norms Specialist
Social Norms Specialist
A Social Norms Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates interventions to change social norms and behaviors. This course provides a strong foundation for this role by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand the conditions under which they cause specific behaviors. With this knowledge, a Social Norms Specialist can more effectively develop and implement interventions to change harmful norms and promote beneficial ones.
Social Change Agent
Social Change Agent
A Social Change Agent works to create positive social change by advocating for policy changes, organizing community groups, and educating the public. This course provides valuable tools for a Social Change Agent by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Social Change Agent can more effectively identify and address the social norms that are阻碍ing progress.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and makes recommendations on public policy issues. This course provides a strong foundation for this role by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Policy Analyst can more effectively develop and evaluate policies that are informed by an understanding of social norms.
Program Manager
Program Manager
A Program Manager plans, implements, and evaluates social programs. This course provides valuable tools for a Program Manager by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Program Manager can more effectively design and implement programs that are tailored to the specific social norms of the target population.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
A Community Organizer works with community members to identify and address local issues. This course provides valuable tools for a Community Organizer by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Community Organizer can more effectively identify and address the social norms that are阻碍ing progress in the community.
Survey Researcher
Survey Researcher
A Survey Researcher designs, conducts, and analyzes surveys to collect data on social issues. This course provides valuable tools for a Survey Researcher by teaching how to measure social norms and expectations. With this knowledge, a Survey Researcher can more effectively design surveys that collect accurate and reliable data on social norms.
Behavioral Scientist
Behavioral Scientist
A Behavioral Scientist studies human behavior and develops interventions to change behavior. This course provides valuable tools for a Behavioral Scientist by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Behavioral Scientist can more effectively develop and implement interventions that are tailored to the specific social norms of the target population.
Social Psychologist
Social Psychologist
A Social Psychologist studies the social and cognitive processes that influence human behavior. This course provides valuable tools for a Social Psychologist by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Social Psychologist can more effectively study the role of social norms in human behavior.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies human societies and cultures. This course provides valuable tools for an Anthropologist by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, an Anthropologist can more effectively study the role of social norms in human societies.
Sociologist
Sociologist
A Sociologist studies social behavior and institutions. This course provides valuable tools for a Sociologist by teaching how to diagnose social norms, measure them, and understand how to change them. With this knowledge, a Sociologist can more effectively study the role of social norms in social behavior and institutions.
Economist
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may be useful for an Economist by providing tools to understand the role of social norms in economic behavior. With this knowledge, an Economist can more effectively study the impact of social norms on economic outcomes.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
A Political Scientist studies the theory and practice of government and politics. This course may be useful for a Political Scientist by providing tools to understand the role of social norms in political behavior. With this knowledge, a Political Scientist can more effectively study the impact of social norms on political outcomes.
Historian
Historian
A Historian studies the past and uses it to understand the present. This course may be useful for a Historian by providing tools to understand the role of social norms in historical events. With this knowledge, a Historian can more effectively study the impact of social norms on historical outcomes.
Lawyer
Lawyer
A Lawyer advises and represents clients in legal matters. This course may be useful for a Lawyer by providing tools to understand the role of social norms in legal decision-making. With this knowledge, a Lawyer can more effectively advise and represent clients in cases involving social norms.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher educates students at the primary or secondary level. This course may be useful for a Teacher by providing tools to understand the role of social norms in the classroom. With this knowledge, a Teacher can more effectively create a positive and productive learning environment for their students.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wz7f6h/social
Reading list
We've selected 28 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Social Norms, Social Change I.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory of social norms, including the basic concepts and definitions, the different types of social norms, and the measurement of social norms. It is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding social norms and their role in society.
Provides a rigorous theoretical and empirical analysis of social norms. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the foundations of social norms.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on social norms, including their origins, development, and function. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the role of social norms in human behavior.
Provides a psychological perspective on the role of social norms in shaping our behavior.
Explores the evolutionary origins of social norms. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the deep roots of social norms in human behavior.
Explores the relationship between social norms and the law. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms influence the development and enforcement of laws.
Save
Provides an introduction to the field of behavioral economics, which studies how people make decisions. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms influence decision-making.
Provides a fascinating look at the irrational ways that people make decisions. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms influence decision-making.
Save
Explores the role of social norms in health. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms can be used to promote healthy behaviors.
Explores the role of social norms in environmental protection. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms can be used to promote sustainable behaviors.
Explores the role of social norms in social policy. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms can be used to design and implement effective social policies.
Explores the role of social norms in international relations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms can be used to promote peace and cooperation.
Provides a case study of the role of social norms in social change in the United States. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms can be used to promote social change.
Provides a cross-cultural perspective on the role of social norms in social change. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms vary across cultures and how they can be used to promote social change in different contexts.
Save
Explores the relationship between social norms and capitalism. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand how social norms shape the development and functioning of capitalist societies.
Save
Provides a popular introduction to the science of habit formation, and how social norms can shape our habits.
Save
Provides a practical guide to using social norms and other behavioral science insights to design effective policies.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of social psychology, including the study of social norms. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about social norms and their role in society.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social norms research. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about social norms and their role in society.
Save
Explores the relationship between social norms and social change. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms can be changed.
Provides a philosophical perspective on social norms. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the ethical foundations of social norms.
Save
Explores the role of social norms in political behavior. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms can be used to promote political participation and engagement.
Explores the role of social norms in environmental protection. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms can be used to promote environmental sustainability.
Explores the role of social norms in economic development. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how social norms can be used to promote economic growth and development.
Provides a practical guide to understanding and using social norms to influence behavior. It valuable resource for anyone interested in using social norms to create positive change.
Provides a detailed analysis of how social norms emerge and are sustained in different social contexts.
Provides a detailed analysis of the role of social norms in crime.
Provides an anthropological perspective on the role of social norms in different cultures.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/wz7f6h/social
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institutions
University of Pennsylvania
Unicef
Instructor
Cristina Bicchieri
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
magyar nyelv
Română
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
اُردُو,
فارسی
বাংলা
tiếng Việt
پښتو
آذربایجان دیلی
Good to know
Teaches essential concepts in social norms, such as expectations and preferences
Examines the measurement and endorsement of social norms, providing a practical foundation
Features examples from child marriage, gender violence, and sanitation practices, providing real-world context
Instructors have expertise in social norms and behavior, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation
Part of a series on social norms, enabling learners to delve deeper into the topic
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