Heinrich Popitz's article "Social Norms" explores the concept of social norms and their role in shaping human behavior and social structures. Popitz defines social norms as expected forms of regular behavior that, when violated, lead to social sanctions. He emphasizes that norms are not static but can be established, stabilized, and changed through social interactions. Norms are produced by actions and are stabilized, questioned, and violated by them. Popitz argues that norms are not merely about values but about the social relations that inform actions. He highlights that norms are not always universally valid and can vary across cultures. Popitz also discusses how norms can be challenged and changed through actions, and how the absence of sanctions can lead to the continuation of norms. He provides examples, such as the distribution of deck chairs on a ship, to illustrate how social norms can change and how they influence social orders. Popitz also emphasizes the importance of social control and the role of group public in enforcing norms. He concludes that social norms are essential for maintaining social order and that their validity depends on both their observance and the readiness to enforce them. Popitz's work contributes to the understanding of social norms in the context of genocide studies and mass violence, emphasizing the importance of social theory in explaining the emergence and change of norms.Heinrich Popitz's article "Social Norms" explores the concept of social norms and their role in shaping human behavior and social structures. Popitz defines social norms as expected forms of regular behavior that, when violated, lead to social sanctions. He emphasizes that norms are not static but can be established, stabilized, and changed through social interactions. Norms are produced by actions and are stabilized, questioned, and violated by them. Popitz argues that norms are not merely about values but about the social relations that inform actions. He highlights that norms are not always universally valid and can vary across cultures. Popitz also discusses how norms can be challenged and changed through actions, and how the absence of sanctions can lead to the continuation of norms. He provides examples, such as the distribution of deck chairs on a ship, to illustrate how social norms can change and how they influence social orders. Popitz also emphasizes the importance of social control and the role of group public in enforcing norms. He concludes that social norms are essential for maintaining social order and that their validity depends on both their observance and the readiness to enforce them. Popitz's work contributes to the understanding of social norms in the context of genocide studies and mass violence, emphasizing the importance of social theory in explaining the emergence and change of norms.