Final answer:
Social behavior is influenced by social roles, social norms, cultural influences, and group dynamics, each shaping how individuals act and interact within various contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ways in which social values and circumstances influence behavior encompass several aspects of social interaction and cultural norms. Reflecting on social psychology's approach, we can pinpoint four specific ways social values and circumstances affect behavior: social roles, social norms, cultural influences, and the impact of group dynamics like conformity, compliance, and obedience.
Social Roles
Social roles refer to the pattern of behavior that is expected of a person in a given setting or group. These roles are heavily dictated by cultural expectations and can heavily influence behavior. For instance, the behavior of a student in a classroom setting is going to differ from that of a lifeguard on duty, as each role comes with different responsibilities and expectations.
Social Norms
Social norms are the unwritten rules of behavior that are considered acceptable in a group or society. Norms function to provide order and predictability in society. For example, waiting in line is a social norm that dictates a fair sequence for service.
Cultural Influences
Culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, norms, language, symbols, arts, and collective identities that help shape how behavior is perceived and enacted within a society. Culture sets the framework for behavior by establishing what is considered right, appropriate, or desirable in a particular societal context.
Group Dynamics
Conformity, compliance, and obedience are social influences resulting from group dynamics. Individuals often change their behavior to align with the perceived group consensus, whether due to a desire to fit in or be accurate, or due to the influence of authority figures.