Established written rules.

Established written rules.

• A. Formal Norms
• B. Informal Norms
• C. Sanctions
• D. Social Control

Answer: (A)

Formal norms are the rules that societies write down and officially recognize. They are codified in laws, regulations, and official codes of conduct, established by institutions such as governments, schools, or professional bodies. Because they are written, they provide precise expectations and a clear basis for behavior across the community, and they carry formal sanctions if violated (like fines, imprisonment, or professional penalties). This makes them the best match for “established written rules.” Informal norms, by contrast, are unwritten expectations learned through everyday interaction. Sanctions refer to penalties or rewards used to enforce norms, and social control is the broader system that enforces norms, including both formal and informal mechanisms.

Formal norms are the rules that societies write down and officially recognize. They are codified in laws, regulations, and official codes of conduct, established by institutions such as governments, schools, or professional bodies. Because they are written, they provide precise expectations and a clear basis for behavior across the community, and they carry formal sanctions if violated (like fines, imprisonment, or professional penalties). This makes them the best match for “established written rules.” Informal norms, by contrast, are unwritten expectations learned through everyday interaction. Sanctions refer to penalties or rewards used to enforce norms, and social control is the broader system that enforces norms, including both formal and informal mechanisms.