In 2005 the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team won an NCAA championship and was invited to the White House to receive congratulations from the president.Controversy erupted after their visit,when the official photograph revealed that several team members were wearing flip-flops.Despite the outcry,the athletes took the criticism in stride,talking about it on The Today Show and auctioning the offending footwear for charity.Given the reaction and the team's response,what kind of norm did the athletes break by wearing flip-flops to the White House?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wearing appropriate dress to meet a high-ranking official is a folkway - a common practice that is not necessarily required by law, but is expected in society. The outcry over the flip-flops suggests that this is a norm that has been agreed upon by many members of society, but it is not necessarily seen as a serious offense that would violate a taboo or require a negative sanction.

In 2005 the Northwestern University Women's Lacrosse Team Won an NCAA