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Research Paper On Breaking Social Norms

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When you meet a complete stranger, what do you usually say or do? Do you give them a kiss on the cheek, high five, or do you give them a hug? In our society, when we meet a complete stranger we tend to either just say “ hello”, exchange names, and a quick handshake. In my social norms project, I will be breaking the norm that our society has that when we meet a complete stranger we tend to just say “hello” and give them and a quick handshake. In this experiment I will intend to break this social norms by wearing a sign that reads “free hugs.” I will walk around a shopping center say “hello” to different individuals after this instead of giving them handshake like most people would do, I will point at my sign and see if they give me a hug instead. I have an accomplice joining me that will take notes on all the reactions that we both notice. Mostly focusing on: how people react both positive and negative, the similarities and differences on the reactions of the individuals. …show more content…
This shopping center is very popular, it gathers consumers from all different types of backgrounds and ethnicities. Also, with a variety of different ages from toddlers to adults. However, the majority of actual shoppers range from the ages of 16- 50 years old, This shopping center has stores for all different types of ages. At Woodfield Mall I will be walking around wearing a sign that I made that reads “ free hugs.” I want to test out the reaction that people will have when I go up to them say “hello” and point at my sign. Will they completely ignore me and walk away, will they look at me like I’m crazy, or will they actually give me a

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