I breached social norms during a dinner party by beginning to eat with my hands instead of the proper utensils. Formal dining demands the use of the proper utensils, as dictated by table etiquette norms. People in my surroundings were appalled by my behavior and confronted me, saying they would never join me at another formal dinner party. I humiliated the host by interfering with her efforts to create a refined atmosphere. My behaviors were regarded as disrespectful, which could result in dire social implications like future exclusion from activities.
Using the book entitled sociological theory, social learning theory best describes the conduct of breaching social norms at a former dinner party. The theory proposes that individuals acquire certain behaviors through social interaction (Ritzer and Stepnisky 281). People in my surrounding were disgusted by my behavior and suggested I be thrown out of the dinner. People reacted aggressively because my behavior showed I lacked table etiquette, which disgusted them that they could not eat anymore.
Many elements, including economic, psychological, and social restrictions, contribute to crime and deviance in society. These variables cause a lack of social control, inequality, racial discrimination, and poverty. Societies are afflicted with deviant conduct because vices such as racism, injustice, and poverty prevent individuals from obtaining their goals legally (Ritzer and Stepnisky 532). In order to address deviant behavior in society, it is necessary to comprehend its contributing factors and underlying causes.
I was invited to a dinner gathering, during which I violated social norms by eating with my hands. According to formal dining and table etiquette, using the correct eating utensils is appropriate. My event was deviant because I violated a social norm requiring respect for others, especially on important occasions such as hosting a dinner party. It is improper to inflict discomfort that disrupts the party’s operations. People around me were disgusted by my behavior and confronted me, declaring they would never attend another formal dinner party. My actions were deemed disrespectful, which could have negative social consequences, such as future exclusion from events.
Using social learning theory, which dedicates that people learn through observation. According to the theory, a person may lack awareness of certain social norms. For example, I eat without using the necessary utensils at dinner parties. My need contributed to the awareness of social norms related to eating with utensils at the dinner party. Considering my situation was unethical, if there is something that I could change is consulting on the right utensils to use while taking dinner parties. This could help me minimize disgusting people while taking their dinner parties. From the attached theories of deviance, the theory that competes with my unethical table manners behavior of eating with my hands is the differential association theory. The theory states that people learn from forming social interactions (Ritzer and Stepnisky 532). The need to use the differential association theory to complete the deviant act can be explained by my interaction with individuals who did not recognize the importance of adhering to societal norms.
From the context of unrealistic jokers, the act of deviation has been practiced, resulting in repeated interruptions of the speaker. This prompts the audience to shift attention and the speaker to alter his tone. The behavior observed in the episode “Lower Body Hazing” can be well described by the Functionalist Theory of Deviance (truTV). Disruption during speech delivery encourages deviant behavior that breaches ethical standards, impedes effective operation, and perpetuates poor outcomes (Ritzer and Stepnisky 781). Consequently, preventing interruptions during discourse and adhering to social conventions is essential.
In conclusion, observing social norms contributes to preserving social order and standards. The violation of social conventions demonstrates disrespect. The violation of social norms jeopardizes social order and standards. Theories such as social learning theory and differential association accurately characterize social norms. These theories enable people to learn from one another and observe social norms. Following social norms in all activities is necessary to promote social order in the community.
Works Cited
“Impractical Jokers-Lower Body Hazing (Punishment)| truTV.” YouTube, uploaded by truTV, Web.
Ritzer, G., and J. Stepnisky. “Sociological Theory (10. utg.).” (2018).