embrace the power of social norms Socialisation is a powerful force. We have all been subjected to it from the day we were born. We are all the outcomes of relentless socialisation. Human beings are innately attracted to being accepted and, as a result, tend to respond to social norms. Most people will be inclined […]

embrace the power of social norms Socialisation is a powerful force. We have all been subjected to it from the day we were born. We are all the outcomes of relentless socialisation. Human beings are innately attracted to being accepted and, as a result, tend to respond to social norms. Most people will be inclined to behave in a manner they consider ‘normal’ and will work to follow established, or what they perceive to be established, social norms. This is well demonstrated in an experiment that has been replicated a number of times. In a hotel environment, customers (subjects) were asked to recycle bathroom towels on environmental grounds. The sample was divided into two groups Those who were told to reuse towels because it was good for the environment Those who were told to reuse the towels because it is was good for the environment and it was what 75%…