Sociology Paper Problem: Breaking the Norm!
Your paper problem requires you to break a social norm! Norms are simply the expected rules of behavior in society. Hopefully we all have an understanding of what norms are at this point. If you have any questions, please be sure to get in touch with me.
Keep in mind that you are not required to break the law or do something crazy to break a norm (although those behaviors are often norm-breaking!). Some of my favorite activities are very subtle.
Try to be creative and think of something that is often taken for granted. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:
1) Elevator: the norm is to become completely silent as soon as you walk through the doors and maintain ‘elevator eye contact' (which is to pretend no other humans exist in that small box!). You are supposed to stand facing the door and quietly stare at the ceiling or your cell phone! Try talking to other people, stand facing other riders instead of facing the door, etc...
2) Walking: the norm is to speed up or slow down your pace if you find yourself walking in step with another person. Try intentionally keeping pace with a stranger as you are walking. Don't intentionally harm or scare anyone!
3) Holding doors: the norm is to hold the door for the person behind you as a courtesy if they are within a pace or two of reaching the door. Try holding the door for someone who is much farther away from the door! Do they wave you off? Run to catch the door?
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.