For a country, its social norms are developed by the people, meaning, every country will technically have a different set of norms, yet there is a possibility of overlapping. Based on history and culture, society will create a set of norms that it deems necessary for all members to follow in order to eliminate inappropriate behavior and encourage a unified community. Normally, members who choose not to follow the established norms will find themselves facing penalties for their wrongful behavior.
One can question whether or not the people or the government are the ones who establish these norms within society. In the U.S, the belief that a social contract is upheld within its borders allows citizens to uphold their civic duty in checking the balance of power of the government and ensuring that authority does not take advantage of its position and deviate from its role. Since the state then is a representation of the people, then one can assume that a state must represent the groups that live within the country. Conduct that singles out a state or leads to the persecution (not necessary a violent one, but where the country views negatively on a group). Although, this statement varies with every state. Society is going to expect for their representatives to support the views of the majority of the population, where if there is a minority group, representatives may be required to go against these groups and install laws that affect the wellbeing of these individuals. The overall intention is to protect the majority at the stake of the minority.
Society expects for its representatives to able to accomplish their objectives, whether to improve the economy, social conditions, or foreign relations, with diplomatic measures. Nevertheless, a country is very flexible and is open to the use of war and terror, as long as the condition of the country is addressed and improved. The people are willing to waive the social norm of the belief of right of life, and enter war, to protect the future of the country.
When undergoing these steps, society expects that since it has granted its authority the leeway to surpass some social norms, that the government will report truth in their reports. When a government lies to its people, the people have the right to question and revolt against the government, because it is no longer favoring their interests.
In all, the government is able to step out of the social norms that society has established for it, as long as it maintains its role of serving the people.
Diana,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your points that in most country, there is a societal norm that people expect their governmental representatives to naturally improve conditions, whether it be foreign, domestic, economic, or otherwise. But what about countries in which citizens no nothing but abuse of power, corruption in government, and third-world conditions. I doubt that the people of Somalia could rely such a global norm from their government. While your points do cover the majority of countries in the world, I fear that in some places it is not applicable.