The article discusses the role of social norms in the emergence, stabilization, and change of behaviors, particularly in the context of mass violence such as the Holocaust and genocide. It emphasizes the importance of social theory in understanding these norm changes, which are often overlooked in genocide studies. Heinrich Popitz, a German sociologist, is highlighted for his work on social norms, which are defined as expected forms of behavior that, when violated, lead to social sanctions. Popitz argues that norms are not just about actions but also about the social relations that inform and negotiate these actions. He notes that norms can be established, stabilized, or changed through actions, and that the absence of sanctions can lead to the continuation of norms. Popitz also illustrates how actions can fundamentally change power relations and social orders, using the example of a ship with limited deck chairs. The article further explores the relativity of social norms, the differentiation of social roles, and the intersection of multiple social obligations. It concludes that social norms are not only about individual behavior but also about the collective social structures that shape human interactions. The study underscores the importance of understanding social norms in the context of human coexistence and the conditions that make such coexistence possible.The article discusses the role of social norms in the emergence, stabilization, and change of behaviors, particularly in the context of mass violence such as the Holocaust and genocide. It emphasizes the importance of social theory in understanding these norm changes, which are often overlooked in genocide studies. Heinrich Popitz, a German sociologist, is highlighted for his work on social norms, which are defined as expected forms of behavior that, when violated, lead to social sanctions. Popitz argues that norms are not just about actions but also about the social relations that inform and negotiate these actions. He notes that norms can be established, stabilized, or changed through actions, and that the absence of sanctions can lead to the continuation of norms. Popitz also illustrates how actions can fundamentally change power relations and social orders, using the example of a ship with limited deck chairs. The article further explores the relativity of social norms, the differentiation of social roles, and the intersection of multiple social obligations. It concludes that social norms are not only about individual behavior but also about the collective social structures that shape human interactions. The study underscores the importance of understanding social norms in the context of human coexistence and the conditions that make such coexistence possible.