Convention (norm) facts for kids

A convention is like an unwritten rule or a widely accepted way of doing things. It's something people agree on, often without even talking about it. Think of it as a common understanding that helps people get along and work together.

For example, when you meet someone new, you might shake their hand. That's a convention! It's not a law, but it's a common way to greet people in many places. Conventions can be about how we act, how we speak, or even how we measure things in science. They help make society run smoothly.

Social Conventions

Social conventions are the unwritten rules that guide how people behave in a society. They are not laws, but they are very important for daily life. These rules help us understand what is considered "normal" or "acceptable" in different situations.

How Social Rules are Made

Social rules are created and changed by people interacting with each other. They can be different depending on the time and place. What was okay in the past might not be okay now. Also, what's normal in one country might be different in another.

These rules help us know how to act in different roles. For example, they might suggest how a student should behave in a classroom or how a person should act at a formal event.

Everyday Examples of Social Rules

Here are some common social conventions you might recognize:

• When meeting someone new, people in Western countries often shake hands. But in other places, like Korea or Japan, people might bow. In Thailand, they might do a "Wai" (a special hand gesture).
• In many places, it's polite to ask before hugging or kissing someone, especially in public.
• Putting things back where you found them is a common rule for keeping things tidy.
• Knowing which side of the road to drive on is a big convention. In the United States and Germany, people drive on the right. In Australia and the United Kingdom, they drive on the left.
• It's usually polite to be on time when you have plans with friends. If you're going to be late, it's a good idea to let them know.
• In a library, it's a convention to talk quietly so you don't disturb others.
• In a movie theater, it's expected that you don't talk during the film and turn off your phone.
• Giving up your seat on public transport for someone who is elderly, pregnant, or has small children is a common courtesy.
• In the United States, it's a social norm to give tips to waiters and waitresses at restaurants.

Why are Social Rules Important?

Social rules help us understand each other and avoid misunderstandings. They make it easier for large groups of people to live and work together peacefully. While they are not laws, breaking social conventions can sometimes lead to people feeling uncomfortable or even upset.

Sometimes, a social convention can become a law. For example, in many places, it's a law that people under a certain age cannot buy alcohol. This started as a social idea about protecting young people.

Conventions in Government

In government, conventions are like unwritten rules that leaders and officials follow. These rules are not written in law books, but they are very important for how the government works. If these rules are ignored without a very good reason, there can be consequences.

For example, in countries like the United Kingdom, which use the "Westminster System" of government, many important rules are based on convention rather than written laws. These conventions help ensure that the government operates fairly and predictably.

Conventions in International Law

The word "convention" is also used in international law. Here, it refers to formal agreements between different countries. These are like treaties, which are written agreements that countries sign.

Organizations like the United Nations create these conventions. A famous example is the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is an agreement about the rights that all children should have. When a country "ratifies" a convention, it means they agree to follow its rules. These international conventions help countries work together on global issues like human rights and peace.

See also

• De facto standard
• Standard (disambiguation)
• Trope (literature)