What do "cultural norms" refer to?

Cultural norms refer to the expected rules guiding behaviors in a culture. They encompass the shared expectations and rules that govern how individuals within a society should behave in various situations. These norms can influence everything from social interactions to daily practices and rituals.

Understanding cultural norms is crucial because they help maintain social order and cohesion within a group. For instance, norms dictate acceptable behavior in public spaces, influence communication styles, and determine acceptable practices or traditions within a community. Norms can vary significantly from one culture to another, making it essential for anthropologists to identify and analyze these expectations to comprehend a culture fully.

The other options, while related to cultural studies, do not accurately define "cultural norms." Artifacts pertain to physical objects created by a culture, historical context addresses the events that shape a culture over time, and legal systems refer to formal rules and regulations that govern behavior but are distinct from the informal, unwritten norms that guide everyday interactions. Thus, the correct understanding revolves around norms as the behavioral expectations within a culture.