From weddings to fitness classes, every social situation has unwritten rules about what's considered appropriate. But these rules often vary from person to person.
A global study conducted on over 25,000 people in 90 countries revealed the most acceptable and most inappropriate behaviors in 10 everyday situations, including funerals, job interviews, restaurants, work and parties.
“This study sheds light on a 'global grammar' of everyday norms,” said the researchers from Mälardalen University.
"We found striking similarities in what people around the world see as unacceptable."
What is inappropriate where?
Job interview: The only thing acceptable is talking. Crying or kissing is seen as unacceptable.
Funeral: Only crying is acceptable. Flirting, laughing, or singing are inappropriate.
Library: It is highly inappropriate to make noise, sing, or argue.
Cinema: Singing, arguing, or making noise are considered inappropriate.
Work: Eating and talking are acceptable; cursing or kissing are unacceptable.
Bus: Talking, using the phone, reading the newspaper, or listening to music on headphones is acceptable.
Busy restaurant: Profanity and shouting are unacceptable; normal social behavior remains acceptable.
"Kissing in an interview raises concerns about vulgarity, laughing in the library is seen as inconsiderate, and reading the newspaper in the cinema is seen as lacking in taste," the researchers explained.
What does this study reveal?
Researchers point out that social norms are not static and are evolving in similar ways around the world.
This indicates a common trajectory of cultural evolution where human universals and cultural changes influence social life. /GazetaExpress/
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