societal expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

"societal expectations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to accepted behavior or ideals within the context of a society or culture. For example: It is difficult to break free from the expectations imposed by societal norms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Societal expectations on climate change are real, and our industry is expected to take a leadership role.

The New York Times

But her discussion of the pressures and societal expectations placed on women were also deeply revealing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The joke is an allegory about defying parental and societal expectations, and it includes two cartwheels.

The New Yorker

Takahata shows us the shortcomings of societal expectations without being didactic.

The Guardian - Film

In what other ways did personal or societal expectations affect the participants' accuracy?

The New York Times

Fewer films have focused on women who don't conform to tired societal expectations regarding marriage and motherhood.

The Guardian - Film

Recently, she has returned to live with her parents, but the pressure to conform to societal expectations remains strong.

The New York Times

In 1987, Thomas S Johnson claimed that the symptoms were an expression of "conflicting societal expectations" on women.

The Guardian

Musgraves's strongest rebel move is being herself and advocating for others to kick back at societal expectations.

The Guardian - Music

As recently as the beginning of the century, ads and articles tended to idealise independence from societal expectations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Societal expectations of genital appearance and capacity for heterosexual intercourse should not be the overriding factor in these decisions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the impact of "societal expectations", be specific about the society or group you are referring to, as expectations can vary widely across cultures and communities. For example, use phrases like "Western societal expectations" or "expectations within the academic community."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "societal expectations" are uniform across all demographics. Acknowledge the diversity of experiences and expectations within a society to prevent generalizations and misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "societal expectations" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the norms, standards, and values that a society collectively believes are important and that individuals are often pressured to adhere to. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "societal expectations" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term referring to the norms, standards, and values a society collectively deems important. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is appropriate across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. It's crucial to recognize that these expectations are not universal and can vary greatly across different cultures and communities. When using the phrase, clarity and specificity are key to avoiding generalizations. Related phrases such as "social norms", "community standards", and "cultural norms" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts with nuanced differences. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate the complexities of societal influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social norms

Focuses more on the established patterns of behavior rather than the anticipated standards.

community standards

Emphasizes the specific standards within a particular community rather than society at large.

cultural norms

Highlights the role of culture in shaping expected behaviors.

prevailing attitudes

Refers to the dominant opinions and feelings in society.

accepted standards

Focuses on the behaviors or values that are considered acceptable by society.

social pressures

Highlights the coercion that society exerts on individuals.

collective values

Refers to the principles and beliefs shared by a group.

public expectations

Emphasizes expectations held by the general public.

conventional wisdom

Focuses on beliefs or ideas widely accepted as truth.

groupthink

Refers to the desire for harmony in a group, leading to irrational decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "societal expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "societal expectations" to discuss how society influences individual behavior. For example: "Many individuals struggle to balance personal desires with "societal expectations"."

What are some alternatives to saying "societal expectations"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "social norms", "community standards", or "cultural norms" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "societal expectations" or "social expectations"?

Both "societal expectations" and "social expectations" are acceptable and often used interchangeably. However, "societal" might imply a broader scope, encompassing the entire society, while "social" could refer to specific social groups or interactions.

How do "societal expectations" influence personal choices?

"Societal expectations" can significantly influence personal choices by shaping perceptions of what is considered normal or desirable. They often create pressure to conform to certain standards in areas like career, relationships, and lifestyle.