Jennifer is attending a business luncheon with several corporate executives.At one point during the meal,she reaches in front of another executive for a saltshaker and hits the executive's arm as he is about to put a spoonful of soup in his mouth.The soup spills on his shirt,and he glares at Jennifer.The glare is an example of a(n)
A)norm.
B)folkway.
C)formal sanction.
D)informal sanction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The glare is an example of an informal sanction, which is an unwritten, unofficial way of enforcing social norms. In this case, the executive is expressing disapproval of Jennifer's behavior (reaching for the saltshaker in front of him) through nonverbal communication (the glare). This is not a formal punishment or consequence, but rather a social signal that Jennifer's behavior was not acceptable in that context.

Jennifer Is Attending a Business Luncheon with Several Corporate Executives