Social norms

This week in class we touched upon the topic of social norms. We are confined by the narrow definition of what is normal, yet we participate in the policing of these social norms. However, we are also in a position to change and shape social norms. Over the course of the past couple decades, the role of women has changed drastically, and a recent New York Times article hightlights this change between the relationship of educated women and marriage (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/12/opinion/sunday/marriage-suits-educated-women.html?_r=1).

Between 1956 and 2008, intelligence rose from being #11 ranked among desirable traits in a women for marriage, perceived by men, to #4. This is a social norm that has changed because of the action that women have taken. A hundred years ago, women had to choose between either education or marriage. As women began to choose education more frequently, social patterns showed that men preferred to marry "down" an education class in order to find women who were not as intelligent. Since the percent college degrees are now awarded to mostly women, this habit can no longer be supported, and social patterns now favor marrying smart women. This is just another example of how although social norms do constrain our actions, we also hold the power to change social norms over time.