What Are Norms?: A Study of Beliefs and Action in a Maya Community

by Francesca M. Cancian

Book Overview

What are Norms? challenges the traditional Parsonian theory of the basis of social order and proposes a theoretical perspective that emphasises shared definitions of reality rather than personal motivation. The book begins by describing conceptions of good and bad in a Maya community. Then it explores how such normative beliefs relate to the actions of individuals and the organisation of society. Parsons' theory is not supported by previous research...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0521106796
• ISBN13: 9780521106795
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"