Final answer:
The universality of some norms can be explained by evolutionary psychology, which suggests that certain universal traits have evolved providing survival benefits. Cultural universals are elements like family structures and social norms found in all societies, despite cultural variations. Option a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The universality of some norms is accounted for by evolutionary psychology. Evolutionary psychology looks at traits that are universal and the individual differences that have evolved to offer survival and reproductive advantages. It explores the relationship between these traits and evolution, with concepts like life-history theory and costly signaling theory shedding light on how people allocate their time and energy or convey signals about their quality as a mate or friend. This understanding is relevant when considering cultural universals, such as the family unit and social norms that extend beyond individual societies. Despite the diversity of cultures, there are shared elements, termed cultural universals, found globally in all societies. This includes family structures, funeral rites, weddings, and celebration of births, though their specific expression varies culturally.
Norms can be formal, with written rules, or informal, learned by observation, imitation, and socialization. Examples of informal norms include personal interactions, like greeting rituals and behaviors at fast food restaurants. While cultures differ significantly around the world, the existence of cultural universals and the influence of evolutionary psychology suggest that there are some norms and behaviors that are common across humanity.