The social dynamics of breaking the rules: antecedents and consequences of norm-violating behavior

Abstract

Norms uphold the social order by guiding behavior without the force of laws. Accordingly, behaviors that violate norms pose a potential threat to societies. We review research on the antecedents and consequences of norm-violating behavior. Regarding antecedents, we distinguish between individuallevel factors such as power and (lack of) respect for norms, and social factors such as the behavior of relevant others. Regarding consequences, we identify intrapersonal effects of norm violations on the transgressor, including feelings of guilt and shame, and interpersonal effects of norm violations on others, including neurophysiological responses, affective reactions, social judgments, and behavioral tendencies (e.g., sanctioning, status conferral). We discuss the possibility of selfperpetuating versus self-defeating norm-violation cycles and outline a theoretical framework to guide future research.

How norm violations shape social hierarchies: Those who stand on top block norm violators from rising up

“…Given that norm-violating behavior evokes negative reactions while norm-following behavior reduces uncertainty, norm violators should generally be afforded less power compared to norm abiders (Hogg, 2000;van Kleef et al, 2015). However, the relative preference for norm followers over norm violators may be stronger among high-rather than low-verticality observers, because following norms helps keep the social hierarchy intact and preserve the place of high-verticality individuals (Feldman, 1984;Sidanius & Pratto, 1999).…”

Value Clarification Technique in Enhancing Forgiveness

“…This information is obtained from observation, interviews, attitude scale, and additional information obtained from the counselor and coaches of the students. Some subjects were noted to have increased truancy rates, not only from school learning activities, but also from pondok diniyah activities, this indicates that the consequences of a transgressive event can cause psychological pressures that force students to take shortcuts by breaking the rules (Van Kleef, Wanders, Stamkou, & Homan, 2015). From the results of observations and interviews, information was also obtained that some subjects seemed to tend to avoid interaction with the actors of transgressive events, and withdraw from association with their friends.…”

If They Are All Green, I Take Responsibility for My Eco-Unfriendly Behaviors: Effects of Injunctive Norm on Sense of Responsibility Following Cognitive Dissonance

“…Although this remains speculative, conforming with a social norm may not systematically reduce overall discomfort or self-directed negative affect. Social norms have an emotional impact on guilt and shame (for a review, see van Kleef, Wanders, Stamkou, & Homan, 2015). Importantly, owing to the results of the exploratory factor analysis, the guilty and shame items were excluded from the statistical analysis.…”