cultural norm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cultural norm" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to the shared beliefs, values, and behaviors that are accepted and expected within a particular culture or society. Example: In many Asian cultures, it is a cultural norm for children to show respect to their elders by bowing when greeting them.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The term culture used here refers to the traditional fertility cultural norm of son preference.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

"Cultural norm or not, barbaric".

The New York Times

It becomes a cultural norm.

The New Yorker

Now it's the cultural norm".

The New Yorker

Why is that the cultural norm?

The New York Times

Another cultural norm has always mystified me.

The Guardian - Sport

That phenomenon is, not coincidentally, Japan's heritage and cultural norm.

The New York Times

"In Germany, having apprentices is the cultural norm," he said.

The Guardian

Gift-giving is a cultural norm in China as a way of showing respect.

The New York Times

He went on, "There is a cultural norm in NYC that supports this kind of douchebaggery.

The New Yorker

And what makes Jewishness the cultural norm, while Jews themselves are reviled?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cross-cultural comparisons, be specific about which cultures you are referencing to avoid generalizations and ensure clarity. For example, instead of saying "This is a cultural norm", specify "In Japanese culture, this is a cultural norm."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a behavior or belief considered a "cultural norm" in one society is universally accepted. Always consider the specific cultural context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cultural norm" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of social construct. As Ludwig highlights, it refers to shared beliefs, values, and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cultural norm" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes accepted behaviors and values within a particular culture. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears most often in news and media and scientific contexts. Related phrases include "societal standard" and "accepted practice". When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the culture being referenced and to avoid assuming universality. Its versatility makes it a valuable term for discussing and analyzing cultural phenomena.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal standard

Emphasizes the standards imposed and accepted by society, shifting focus from culture to the broader societal context.

social convention

Highlights the conventional and customary aspects of the norm, focusing on agreed-upon behaviors.

accepted practice

Focuses on the practical and accepted behaviors within a culture or society.

customary behavior

Underscores the habitual and traditional nature of the behavior.

established tradition

Highlights the historical and long-standing nature of the norm.

prevailing attitude

Shifts the focus to the dominant mindset and beliefs within a culture.

common practice

Emphasizes the widespread adoption of a particular behavior.

traditional value

Highlights the values that are passed down through generations and are culturally significant.

social expectation

Highlights the expectations placed on individuals by society.

typical behavior

Focuses on the behavior that is most commonly observed and considered standard.

FAQs

How can I use "cultural norm" in a sentence?

You can use "cultural norm" to describe behaviors or beliefs that are widely accepted and expected within a particular culture. For example, "In many East Asian societies, respecting elders is a deeply ingrained "cultural norm"".

What's the difference between "cultural norm" and "social convention"?

"Cultural norm" refers to a broader set of shared values and behaviors within a culture, whereas "social convention" is more specific to agreed-upon practices in social interactions. Both relate to expected behaviors, but the former is rooted in cultural values.

What are some examples of "cultural norms"?

Examples of "cultural norms" include gift-giving in China as a sign of respect, the emphasis on family honor in many Mediterranean cultures, and the practice of removing shoes before entering a home in Japan.

What can I say instead of "cultural norm"?

You can use alternatives like "societal standard", "accepted practice", or "established tradition" depending on the specific context.