Week 1 Discussion: Breaking Social Norms Through Dress
Welcome to your first sociology discussion! This week, we’ll explore how powerful social norms can be especially when we break them.
Your task:
- Break a social norm related to dress or attire.
(Important: Do not wear anything illegal, offensive, dangerous, or harmful. You do not have to leave your house if you’d rather do this at home.)
Some safe examples include:- Wearing formal attire around the house
- Dressing in out-of-season clothing (e.g., a winter coat in summer)
- Mixing bold patterns or clashing colors
- Wearing clothing typically associated with a different gender
- Interact with others while wearing your outfit.
This could be with a partner, friend, family member, roommate, neighbor, or even a stranger if you choose to go out. Observe their reactions and take mental (or written) notes of what they say or do. - Reflect and share in the discussion:
- How did you feel breaking this norm—awkward, empowered, embarrassed?
- What were the responses of the people you interacted with?
- Ask them why they responded the way they did. Were they uncomfortable? Surprised? Supportive?
- What did this teach you about the power of social expectations?
📌 Your Initial Post: Minimum of 300 words, due by Thursday at midnight
💬 Reply to at least 2 classmates by Friday at midnight
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