(Please help it’s a 1-2 page essay it’s for a sociology class)

Choose and identify a norm.

-Consider who this norm applies to, in what context, etc. (For example, if you choose a cultural norm such as removing one’s shoes before entering the home, you must note the culture this applies to as well as setting, which in this case, is the home.)

-Consider WHY this is currently a norm

-Consider who/what maintains and reinforces this norm


2) Create a plan to *SAFELY* and *reasonably* deviate from the norm that you have chosen. (10 points)

-Consider how you will deviate, for how long with you will deviate, how many times you will deviate, etc. (This is dependent on the norm you choose, of course.)

3) Put your plan into action: deviate from the norm!

-Note where, when, and for how long you deviate from chosen norm

4) Note your observations.

-Note anything and everything that you witness and feel personally and any reactions – verbal and/or nonverbal – from others.


5) Analyze your observations and identify the purpose of your experiment and your message for society with the norm that you have chosen to deviate from. USE AT LEAST ONE OF THE THREE THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES (structural functionalism, conflict theory, or symbolic interactionism) to discuss the norm and deviance.

For example, you may apply structural functionalism and either discuss what function the norm you chose currently serves and/or discuss the function of your act of deviance for society.

Using conflict theory, you may discuss how norms create power dynamics or reinforce power (i.e. through gender norms).

Using symbolic interactionism, you may discuss the meaning behind certain norms, etc.