ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the effects of norms and roles on people’s self-presentations. A norm is a rule or standard for action. Norms are usually implicit and unwritten. Decorum refers to behavior that conforms to established standards for proper behavior. Many of the most basic norms specify minimum criteria for socially acceptable behavior. One aspect of decorum involves people’s public images. The modesty norm puts impression managers in a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, usually want other people to perceive as positively as possible but, on the other hand, self-presentational norms require that not be too self-aggrandizing. In certain settings, self-presentational norms specify how much attention people should appear to be paying to what others are saying or doing. In some situations, norms require people to appear to be attentive to or interested in what others are saying or doing.
