20 Examples of Conventional Standards


A norm is an obligation that is imposed on a certain person or group. They are mandates aimed at regulating human behavior.

The conventional standards They are social norms that were created to regulate human behavior in a certain context, community or society. They must be respected by all members and are not detailed in a legal document (unlike legal norms). For example: not yelling at the movies, saying “thank you” and “please”.

Its objective is to promote respect and tolerance among all members and achieve a harmonious coexistence aligned with the values ​​of the institution, community or society. Conventional standards are found in various settings such as a football club, a bank or on the street.

They are based on traditions, habits or customs and may vary according to the culture and beliefs of the communities. For example: In the countries of the East it is customary to eat with the hand; while such behavior is not customary in a Western country.

Characteristics of conventional standards

  • They were created to promote order in society and avoid social tensions and conflicts.
  • They are found in almost all areas in which a person develops and this must adapt to them.
  • They can indicate a behavior to follow or one to avoid.
  • Non-compliance can lead to rejection by the group or community.
  • They are transmitted by the family (from generation to generation), by the social environment, the school or by campaigns organized by the State.
  • They can vary over time.
  • They can be exhibited in written form depending on the cases, although there is no obligation in this regard.
  • They are more rigid or flexible depending on the context. For example: they are not the same conventional rules in a courtroom as in a nightclub.
  • They do not need the endorsement of the State, although in no case can they go against legal norms.

Examples of conventional standards

  1. Stand in line at the bank to be attended and not use the cell phone.
  2. Be silent when entering a church.
  3. Respect the assigned shift when attending the doctor.
  4. Do not yell in a restaurant.
  5. Respect recess times at school.
  6. Do not smoke in public spaces.
  7. Be silent in a sanatorium / clinic / health center.
  8. Do not listen to loud music in public transport.
  9. Do not throw the garbage in the street.
  10. Take care of the cleanliness in public toilets.
  11. Cover your mouth when yawning.
  12. Do not honk at the tollbooth.
  13. Give the seat to pregnant women, the elderly or people with a disability in public transport.
  14. Don’t burp in public.
  15. Don’t sneak into a line.
  16. Tipping in bars and restaurants.
  17. Talking quietly on public transportation.
  18. Do not touch works of art or run in museums.
  19. Chew with your mouth closed in a restaurant.
  20. Yield to the pedestrian.