How are "norms" defined in a sociological context?

In a sociological context, norms are understood as the expectations and rules for behavior within a society or group. Norms serve as guidelines that dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior and can vary widely between different cultures and social groups. They shape interactions and influence the actions of individuals in various social contexts, providing a framework that helps maintain order and predictability in social situations.

Norms can manifest in different forms, including formal norms, which are explicitly stated laws or regulations, and informal norms, which are unwritten rules that govern behavior. While customs and traditions (mentioned in another option) are related to norms and can reflect the societal values that underlie them, they specifically focus on long-standing practices rather than the immediate behavioral expectations that norms address. The idea of individual behaviors in isolation does not capture the social dimension of norms, as norms inherently relate to the collective behavior of a group or society rather than individual actions disconnected from social context.