1.2. Frame of reference – norms
With the “A Walk in the Park” exercise, we aimed to make you think about your own frame of reference and the norms you’ve learned. But what exactly are your frame of reference and norms?
Frame of reference
Your frame of reference is like a lens through which you view the world. Everything you see and understand is filtered through this lens. It comprises everything you believe, have experienced, and learned, including your norms. It influences how you interpret situations, make decisions, and interact with others.
Everyone has a unique frame of reference because we all have different experiences. This can sometimes lead to misunderstandings as people perceive the same situation differently due to their differing frame of references.
Norms
Norms are (unwritten) rules about how we should behave. They are part of our frame of reference.
For example, when you and I meet, we shake hands to greet each other. This is not a law but a norm, in this case, a courtesy norm. If I extend my left hand instead of my right, our meeting might feel awkward because I’ve “broken” this courtesy norm. Will I punished for it? Luckily not.
Still… if someone ‘breaks’ a norm it can result in disapproving or negative reactions.
In short, norms define what we consider ‘norm’al within a specific time or culture and what we don’t. But what does ‘normal’ even mean?