Final answer:
The importance of a societal norm can be gauged by the community's reaction to its breach, with responses ranging from disapproval to legal action. Whether in small groups or larger societies, norms are upheld through both personal relationships and formal government institutions. Community engagement can significantly impact the effectiveness of these norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The importance of a norm usually can be judged by how many members of a society respond when it is violated. Norms are the informal understandings that govern the behaviors of members within a society. When societal norms are breached, responses can range from mere disapproval to formal sanctions, which reflects the significance of the violated norm. For instance, the long struggle for same-sex marriage rights in the United States exemplifies how a society mobilizes and reacts against the violation of civil liberties, showcasing the importance of the norm for equal treatment.
Throughout history, societies have established mechanisms for maintaining order and adherence to norms, often using moral and legal reinforcements. Civil rights abuses - whether responded to or not - can have profound effects on families and societal welfare. In small groups, personal relationships and community oversight might suffice to uphold norms, but in larger societies, the government often assumes the role of enforcing compliance through various institutions.
To encourage desirable behavior, societies leverage both moral norms and legal codes. Community enforcement through praise or blame can be just as effective as formal laws. However, issues like environmental stewardship are often challenged by the lack of widespread community engagement, illustrating that the response to norm violations can also be hindered by a lack of interest or a feeling of personal disconnection from the issue.