Social norms
Examines the role of social norms in sustaining gender inequality, offering tools to diagnose, measure, and shift harmful norms through evidence-based, participatory strategies. For programme staff, gender advisors, and facilitators working on behaviour change.
About This Course
This module introduces participants to the role of social norms in sustaining gender inequality and influencing behaviours, choices, and power relations within families, communities, and institutions. It explores the distinction between individual attitudes and collective norms, and offers tools for diagnosing, measuring, and shifting harmful social norms through evidence-based and participatory strategies. Emphasis is placed on culturally grounded approaches that respect and work within communities’ lived realities.
Key Competencies Developed
Understanding the difference between social norms, values, and attitudes
Identifying how gendered norms shape access, participation, and outcomes across sectors
Applying frameworks for social norm analysis (e.g. CARE, UNICEF, social norms theory)
Designing interventions that promote dialogue, reflection, and norm transformation
Working with community gatekeepers, peer groups, and change agents in context-sensitive ways
Professional Relevance
This module introduces participants to the role of social norms in sustaining gender inequality and influencing behaviours, choices, and power relations within families, communities, and institutions. It explores the distinction between individual attitudes and collective norms, and offers tools for diagnosing, measuring, and shifting harmful social norms through evidence-based and participatory strategies. Emphasis is placed on culturally grounded approaches that respect and work within communities’ lived realities.
