Final answer:
The correct answer is d. Acceptable behavior in society is largely defined by social norms, which are the invisible rules and expectations governing conduct. These norms dictate everything from greetings to dress codes, varying across cultures and contexts. Sociologists analyze these patterns to understand cultural and social behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acceptable behavior in most situations is defined by society, as a whole, through the broadest set of norms. Social norms are the expectations of appropriate and acceptable behavior that members of society adhere to. These norms encompass everything from interpersonal interactions to broader cultural practices, essentially forming the invisible rules that guide our behavior in various contexts.
For instance, when someone asks, "Hi, how are you?" it is not usually an invitation to share detailed personal issues, but rather a polite greeting. Deviation from this expectation can lead to a sense of discomfort or the recognition that a social norm has been breached. This illustrates how cultural norms determine the ways we interact and communicate in different settings. What might be considered a thorough and expected response to a question in one culture could be seen as oversharing or inappropriate in another. Sociologists study these patterns to understand how people create and enforce these social norms.