What do injunctive norms pertain to?

Injunctive norms refer to the perceptions of what behaviors are approved or disapproved by others within a social context. This concept emphasizes societal expectations and the social acceptance of certain actions, indicating what is considered acceptable or unacceptable behavior within a group or community. By highlighting the influence that the approval or disapproval of others has on behavior, injunctive norms can motivate individuals to conform to the expectations of their peers, aligning their actions with collective values.

The focus on perceived approval or disapproval distinguishes injunctive norms from other concepts, such as descriptive norms, which deal with the actual behaviors exhibited by individuals. Therefore, while actual behaviors and legal regulations may inform social behavior, injunctive norms specifically relate to the societal cues regarding the acceptability of those behaviors.