What are understood rules for accepted and expected behavior called?

The term that refers to understood rules for accepted and expected behavior is social norms. Social norms function as guidelines that inform individuals about how to behave in various situations within a society or a group. These norms can vary widely between different cultures and contexts, shaping behaviors that are deemed appropriate or inappropriate.

For instance, social norms can dictate everyday behavior, such as greeting someone with a handshake or maintaining a certain level of personal space in public settings. They are pivotal in maintaining social order, as individuals often conform to these norms to facilitate smooth interactions and to be accepted within their communities. In contrast, social roles pertain to the expected behavior associated with specific positions or identities within a group, while social biases refer to preconceived opinions that can affect judgments about people. Social expectations are broader and often encompass norms but may not emphasize the prescriptive nature of behavior to the same degree as social norms.