From Norms to Normative Behaviors

Social scientists often draw on “norms” to causally explain human behaviors, which behaviors are therefore referred to as “normative”. The author first proposes a provisional notion of “normative behavior” (as distinct from “economic behavior”) and briefly mentions the problems raised by the notions of “norm” commonly used. Then, he proposes a conceptualization of “norm” as disposition to experience a superegoic emotion with regard to a behavior and examines various types of norms and normative behaviors. Finally, he points to some issues that require further investigation.