Final answer:
The likelihood of a given society having contradictory norms is considerable, especially during times of social change and development. These contradictions may be rooted in the transformation from mechanical to organic solidarity which can result in social anomie, and are often symptomatic of deeper inequalities within a culture. A holistic understanding of society can reveal how these contradictions are part of a dynamic, evolving culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contradictory Social Norms
It is quite possible for a society to possess contradictory norms. These paradoxes often occur during periods of social transition when older cultural norms conflict with emerging ones, resulting in a state known as social anomie. Émile Durkheim, a seminal sociologist, linked anomie to the shift from mechanical to organic solidarity, suggesting a breakdown in societal cohesion that can lead to conflicting norms. As societies develop, they may experience polarization, wherein different groups hold opposing values, yet some underlying principles such as freedom or democracy may still unify them. The existence of contradictory norms, such as those concerning marriage, gender roles, or racial integration, often reflects social inequalities and can be related to deeper societal structures and power dynamics.
Philosophical debates further complicate norm clashes, as moral absolutism stands in contrast to cultural relativism, and individuals struggle to reconcile these conflicting ideologies. American society has historically seen contradictions in values, some of which are eventually resolved as cultural norms evolve over time. Norms also vary because culture is shared but not homogenous; rank differences, societal expectations, and power relations perpetuate this diversity.
Finally, through the lens of holism, anthropologists might analyze such contradictions by considering how various societal factors - economic, political, religious, moral - interconnect to produce the complex tapestry of culture. Rather than resulting in complete chaos, these societal contradictoriness often reflect the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of human cultures.