Who establishes the code of conduct in society?

Question

Taboos like incest are against the societal code of conduct. When I searched it up in Wikipedia, it said that 'rational people" create the code of conduct.

My question is...who are the "rational people"? Are they the priests, nuns, scientists, ..... you get the point

Answer 1

Hi Erika,



Codes of conduct evolve out of the organic experiences of society itself. Nobody (per se) is responsible for them; they grow out of social experience. And as societies vary, so do social norms and customs. Plural marriages are accepted in many Muslim cultures, but not in the West. Different societies will evolve different forms of custom and usage.



Consider the prohibition against incest, for example. It grew out of the ancient customs of marriage. The idea of marriage base on love is a very modern concept. Historically, marriages were arranged affairs, and served the purposes of furthering the families' long term interests of survival.



What useful alliance is created by a brother and sister marrying? None. Hence, the prohibition. But where intermarriage helped family interests, it was approved. The Ptolemy family of ancient Egypt and many royal families throughout history are examples of this.



Generally speaking, though, permissible and impermissible forms of social and personal conduct grow out of the social dynamic, not the choices of any particular group of people.



Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I think that the majority establish the code of conduct in society by what they feel comfortable with, will accept.



They are influenced by things like religion, those around them, family, friends, trends.



Conduct changes over time....Much of what people see as "acceptable" in interacting with larger society, or even in private lives, is different for many presently as opposed to the past.



Things seen as "acceptable" for "family viewing" in movies and TV is far more open and even violent than it was 50 or 75 years ago.



Much of what is "okay" would not be seen as rational based on the code of conduct of my grandparents' generation.

Answer 3

It`s all about `morals` really.

Relgion lays down rules (morals/codes of conduct)

The Law underlines many of them making it illegal to practice them.

Parents too (well, good parents that is) are well up the list of moral `teachers`, by word of mouth and by the way they live themselves.

Teachers.

And last but certainly not least - ourselves, as we observe the world and decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong.

Answer 4

Everyone can establish the code of conduct depending on age, status, and health. It could be your older siblings to you teacher at school

Answer 5

Some woman somewhere who thinks she's all that.