You are taking your first sociology course in the fall. About halfway through the semester, you go home for Thanksgiving. At Thanksgiving dinner, you plan to conduct an impromptu sociological experiment by violating some social norms. Which of following actions could you potentially take?
A) You eat your dinner and make polite dinner conversation with your family.
B) You help to make dinner and serve the guests as well.
C) You eat your dinner with your hands, even the mashed potatoes.
D) You excuse yourself from the table after dessert to answer your cell phone.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eating with your hands, even with mashed potatoes, violates a social norm since table manners generally dictate that utensils be used for eating. This action would create a reaction from your family members, and could potentially spark discussion about social norms and values. Choices A and B are behaviors that are expected and do not violate any social norms, while choice D is considered to be rude but is not necessarily a violation of social norms.

You Are Taking Your First Sociology Course in the Fall