etiquettenorms

Etiquettenorms, or etiquette norms, are culturally shared expectations governing polite conduct in social interaction. They specify appropriate ways to greet others, speak, dress, eat, and perform other everyday actions. Etiquettenorms are learned through family socialization, schooling, peers, and media, and they vary across cultures, contexts, and subcultures. They are informal norms: violations typically produce social disapproval or embarrassment rather than legal penalties.

Functions: They facilitate smooth communication, reduce uncertainty, establish social roles, and convey respect. They also help manage hierarchy, power, and distance in various settings such as the family, workplace, and public spaces. Examples include forms of address, punctuality, table manners, appropriate topics of conversation, and the appropriate use of technology in conversation.

Digital etiquette, or netiquette, is a modern subset covering online communication, responsiveness, privacy, and tone in emails, messages, and social media. Because societies change, etiquette norms evolve: some rituals are relaxed, others become more inclusive, and new forms of courtesy emerge in international settings. Criticism notes that norms can enforce conformity, uphold privilege, or exclude minorities, so contemporary etiquette often emphasizes respect, consent, and cultural sensitivity.

Etiquettenorms differ from law and formal rules; they are voluntary guidelines that influence behavior but are not legally enforceable. Researchers study them as part of social norms and civility, often examining how norms spread through groups and adapt to globalization.