Young Children’s Understanding of Social Norms and Social Institutions

Abstract

Children are born into a world abundant with social norms that prescribe how one should and should not behave. Social norms also form the basis of more complex social institutions such as ownership that create obligations, rights and duties. As adults we typically navigate our social world effortlessly and mostly unaware of the intricate web of social norms and institutions shaping our behaviour. But when and how do young children first become aware of the norms and institutions of their socio-cultural group? In this chapter, we will first provide a definition of social norms and institutions and explain their most important characteristics. We will then present empirical evidence that children as young as 3 years of age already understand some crucial aspects of social norms. We will further use the example of ownership to argue that it is one of the first social institutions that young children understand.