Which of the following best describes informal norms?

Informal norms are best described as publically known but not formally codified rules. These norms arise from social expectations and community values rather than being formally written down or enforced by legal systems. They guide behavior in social contexts and can vary between different cultures or communities. For example, norms around greetings or polite conversation may differ by region or group but are understood through social interaction rather than through legal mandates.

In contrast, written rules with strict penalties are characteristic of formal norms, which are established by authorities and enforced with consequences. Universally applicable norms would imply a level of uniformity that is not present in informal norms, which can be highly localized or culturally specific. Finally, norms enforced by law refer strictly to legal norms, which are part of a formal system with established guidelines for enforcement and penalties, further distinguishing them from the more flexible and socially constructed nature of informal norms.