TERM 1
Intro: Norms differ among different groups of
individuals
DEFINITION 1
Norms differ among different groups o f individuals:- Societies need
norms because people have expect ations of each other.- Knowing
that there are people around who be havior a certain way makes
our life easier.- Author asks: Where d o these norms come from and
how do we have an evolution of thes e norms?- Starts with the
concept of a social nee d for norms creates a demand for
norms
TERM 2
What is a Norm?
DEFINITION 2
The article assumes the idea that th ere is supply and demand for
conventions, just as there is for comm odities and ideas. This
supply and demand make up the ma rket for social
norms.Therefore we must ask what is a Norm?- Norm: a
generally accepted pattern of behavior, that creates a
foundation for the social insti tutions that follow.Ex: Justice
TERM 3
A new social norm arises out of the workings
of a market for norms
DEFINITION 3
The demand for social and economic conv entions depends on grou p
composition in the audience of such conventions, and the cost
and benefit associated with the nor m.
Demand for norm = a function of/ depends on the group
composition in the audience of a social conv ention+ cost/benefit
condition associated with the norm.
Supply of a social norm = (idea that ppl should behave in a certain
way) Individuals with:
Superior technical knowledge of cost/ bene fit conditions
Superior knowledge of group dynamics
Special endowments that provide them w ith unusually high tangible
benefits from norm reforms
TERM 4
Quick Review Of Social Norms
DEFINITION 4
Societies depending on the composition of the groups, they
have a certain demand for behavioral patterns, depending on
who is living in the society, between the different groups you
can have different expectations or demands of social norms.-
Certain expectations are group specific.
TERM 5
When Is the Market in equilibrium?
DEFINITION 5
The market is in equilibrium if the demand and supply for
norms are equal. The market is in disequilibrium if the
demand for norms is either less or greater than the supply.
