Which term is best described as the standard of behavior that people regard as right or acceptable within a society?

• A. Virtues
• B. Values
• C. Norms
• D. Wants

Answer: (C)

Norms are the guidelines a society uses to define what behavior is right or acceptable in everyday life. They shape how people act in different situations—how we greet others, how we dress for various settings, or how we queue for service—creating predictable, orderly social interactions. Norms can be formal rules like laws or informal expectations like politeness and taking turns in conversation. This makes norms the best fit for describing the standard of behavior a society views as appropriate. Virtues describe personal moral traits, values are beliefs about what’s important, and wants are desires—not the everyday conduct expected by a community.