Social Norm Theory

Social norm theory is the first theoretical perspective through which prejudicial acts may be more closely examined and serves as a useful lens through which to understand the relationship among LGBT biased-based harassment, school culture, and policy. Berkowitz (2003) applied social norm theory across many areas, including problem-college drinking, eating disorders, bystander behavior, as well as prejudicial and generally problem behavior towards others. Theories of socialization, including social norm theory, state that prejudiced attitudes are formed through the influence of social identities, group membership, and interpersonal interactions (Eder & Nenga, 2003; Poteat, 2007).
There is a long history of the use of norms in understanding human behavior. According
Time interval research by Zitek and Hebl (2006) conducted on a group of university women uncovered that the clarity of the social norms influenced the extent of homophobic (intolerance of homosexuals) or other prejudicial acts were exhibited. As a social norm became more ambiguous, research participants were more likely to look to the reaction of others. Bowen and Bourgeois (2001) studied the effects of social norms upon students living in two dormitories at a large public university. Each dormitory was co-ed and housed both heterosexual and LGBT-identified students. Residents were surveyed at different intervals whether they personally knew LGBT individuals and whether they held negative or positive feelings toward those individuals. Bowen and Bourgeois’ research supported the effectiveness of close interactions among peers as an effective means of reducing prejudice related to sexual minorities. Each case clearly illuminates that a sense of familiarity is a key determinant in reducing social norms that perpetuate anti-gay bias and