What’s the difference between Norms and Ethics?

By Isaac Omo-Ehiabhi Eranga, FSFSN, PAMHSE

Norms and ethics are two related but distinct concepts:

Norms

1. Shared expectations: Norms are unwritten rules or expectations that govern behavior within a group, community, or society.
2. Social standards: Norms define what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior in a particular context.
3. Informal enforcement: Norms are often enforced through social pressure, ridicule, or exclusion.
4. Variable across cultures: Norms can vary significantly across different cultures, communities, or societies.

Ethics

1. Moral principles: Ethics refer to a set of moral principles or values that guide behavior and decision-making.
2. Universal principles: Ethics are often based on universal principles, such as respect, fairness, and compassion.
3. Formal codes: Ethics can be codified in formal codes, laws, or regulations.
4. Internalized standards: Ethics are often internalized as personal standards, guiding individual behavior and decision-making.

Key differences

1. Scope: Norms are specific to a particular group or community, while ethics are more universal and applicable across different contexts.
2. Enforcement: Norms are enforced through social pressure, while ethics are often enforced through formal codes, laws, or internalized personal standards.
3. Focus: Norms focus on what is acceptable behavior, while ethics focus on what is morally right or wrong.

To illustrate the difference:

• A norm might dictate that it’s acceptable to wear casual clothes to work on Fridays.
• An ethical principle, on the other hand, might dictate that it’s wrong to lie to a customer, regardless of the circumstances.

In summary, norms define acceptable behavior within a specific context, while ethics provide a moral framework for guiding behavior and decision-making across different contexts.