Give an example of a cultural norm.

A cultural norm is an accepted standard of behavior within a society or community that dictates how individuals are expected to act in specific contexts. Shaking hands as a form of greeting exemplifies this because it is a widely recognized gesture that conveys friendliness, respect, and agreement across many cultures. This social norm establishes a routine and expected interaction that helps facilitate communication and social bonding among individuals.

In many cultures, a handshake serves as a ritualistic cue that indicates the beginning of a conversation or agreement. This shared understanding helps create a sense of order and predictability in social interactions, reinforcing social relationships and community ties.

Other examples like wearing shoes indoors, eating with hands, or sleeping at night, while showcasing behaviors practiced in different contexts or cultures, do not universally represent cultural norms across a broader spectrum. For instance, the appropriateness of wearing shoes indoors varies significantly between cultures, while eating with hands can be fully acceptable in some traditions yet frowned upon in others. Sleeping at night, while generally common, is also influenced by individual lifestyles, cultural practices, and environmental factors, making it less universally aligned as a cultural norm like shaking hands.