The expected standards of behaviour and beliefs enforced by group mem…

The expected standards of behaviour and beliefs enforced by group members are called ________.

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Norms

Option (1) Roles — Incorrect. Roles are the typical behaviour that depicts a person in a given social context, such as a son or a daughter, with the role expectations that go with it. They belong to one position in the group, not to all members alike.

Option (2) Norms — Correct. Norms are expected standards of behaviour and beliefs established, agreed upon, and enforced by group members. They may be considered a group’s ‘unspoken rules’, like the norms that guide the behaviour of family members.

Option (3) Status — Incorrect. Status is the relative social position given to group members by others, either ascribed (for example by seniority) or achieved (by expertise or hard work). It is a position, not a standard of behaviour.

Option (4) Cohesiveness — Incorrect. Cohesiveness is the togetherness, binding or mutual attraction among group members, the team spirit that makes them think, feel and act as a unit.

NCERT (2025-26): “Stages of Group Formation … Four important elements of group structure are :

Roles are socially defined expectations that individuals in a given situation are expected to fulfil. Roles refer to the typical behaviour that depicts a person in a given social context. You have the role of a son or a daughter and with this role, there are certain role expectations, i.e. including the behaviour expected of someone in a particular role. As a daughter or a son, you are expected to respect elders, listen to them, and be responsible towards your studies.
Norms are expected standards of behaviour and beliefs established, agreed upon, and enforced by group members. They may be considered as a group’s ‘unspoken rules’.…”

“…Status refers to the relative social position given to group members by others. This relative position or status may be either ascribed (given may be because of one’s seniority) or achieved (the person has achieved status because of expertise or hard work).…”

“…Cohesiveness refers to togetherness, binding, or mutual attraction among group members. As the group becomes more cohesive, group members start to think, feel and act as a social unit, and less like isolated individuals.…”