Final answer:
Cultural display rules are norms governing the control and expression of emotions within different cultural contexts, affected by settings and social expectations, including gender roles, idioms of distress, tone of voice, and body language.
Step-by-step explanation:
Specific cultural norms that govern the control of emotional expression in specific situations are generally known as cultural display rules. These rules navigate how and when various emotions may be expressed, considering context such as the setting, the participants, and the situation at hand. For instance, it is generally acceptable in many Western cultures to show emotions of happiness and success openly, but the expression of sadness or grief may be more restrained, especially in public settings. Emotional expression can also be influenced by gender differences and their associated cultural expectations, as well as by idioms of distress which are culture-specific indications of emotional states. Besides facial expressions, tone of voice and body language are also subject to these cultural norms. These practices can vary significantly across cultures, and even within different contexts of the same culture.
In learning and adhering to these social norms, individuals become part of the cultural fabric where breaking these norms might lead to social sanctions or misunderstandings. Therefore, understanding these norms is pivotal in intercultural communication and social harmony.