What is “Social Norms vs. Market Norms”?
This concept explains how people behave differently depending on whether they’re in a social setting (relationships and kindness) or a market setting (money and transactions). Mixing these two norms can lead to misunderstandings or harm relationships.
What Are Social Norms?
- Based on relationships, goodwill, and emotions.
- People help each other without expecting money.
- Example: A friend helps you move out of kindness, expecting nothing in return.
What Are Market Norms?
- Based on transactions, money, and fairness.
- People expect something in return (like payment).
- Example: You hire movers and pay them for their service.
Why Shouldn’t They Be Mixed?
If you try to use money in a situation that’s based on social norms, it can ruin relationships. Similarly, expecting emotional rewards in a market setting can confuse people.
Simple Real-Life Examples
- Asking for Help vs. Offering Payment:
- Social Norms: You ask a friend to help move your furniture, and they agree happily because it’s a favor.
- Market Norms: You offer your friend $5 to help move furniture. They might feel insulted because the offer shifts the situation to a market norm, where the amount feels too small for the effort.
- Holiday Dinner:
- Social Norms: A family gathers for dinner, and everyone helps prepare the meal as a group activity.
- Market Norms: If someone insists on paying their mother for cooking dinner, it feels awkward and inappropriate.
- Workplace Culture:
- Social Norms: A company builds loyalty by treating employees like family, organizing free lunches or team events.
- Market Norms: If the company suddenly stops these gestures and only offers money-based rewards, employees might feel less connected.
How to Use This Knowledge
- In Business:
- Use social norms (like friendly customer service or community-building activities) to build loyalty.
- But don’t mix them with market norms. For example, don’t charge customers for something they perceive as a favor.
- In Personal Life:
- Show gratitude in social situations instead of offering money. For example, thank someone with a thoughtful gift instead of cash.
Summary
“Social Norms vs. Market Norms” highlights the difference between relationships (social norms) and transactions (market norms). Mixing the two can hurt relationships or cause misunderstandings. Understanding this helps you manage situations appropriately, whether in personal or business interactions.
