Norms within society are typically reinforced by what mechanism?

Norms within society are typically reinforced through sanctions, which can be understood as rewards or punishments that encourage conforming behavior and discourage deviance. Sanctions can be formal (like laws and regulations) or informal (social approval or disapproval). They serve to guide individuals' actions in alignment with the established norms and values of a society. For instance, when individuals adhere to social norms, they might receive positive reinforcement in the form of praise or acceptance, while violations of these norms can lead to negative sanctions such as social ostracism or legal penalties.

The mechanisms of education and traditions can help in the establishment and understanding of norms, while social contracts refer more to the theoretical agreements that govern behaviors and responsibilities among individuals in society. However, it is the direct consequences, both positive and negative, associated with behavior that effectively reinforce adherence to norms, making sanctions the key mechanism in this context.