Which term refers to the shared rules and guidelines that dictate acceptable behavior in a society?

The term that refers to the shared rules and guidelines that dictate acceptable behavior in a society is norms. Norms serve as the unwritten rules that govern social behavior and dictate what is considered appropriate or inappropriate within a community or society. They shape individual conduct and help maintain social order by establishing expectations for how people should behave in various situations. Norms can vary significantly from one culture to another and can change over time as societal values evolve.

Cultures encompass a broader range of elements, including values, beliefs, practices, and material objects that define a group of people. While norms are an integral part of culture, they are specifically focused on behavior guidelines.

Statuses refer to the social positions individuals hold within a society, and roles are the behaviors expected of individuals based on their statuses. Although these concepts are related to social behavior, they do not specifically cover the guidelines and rules that dictate acceptable behavior in the same way that norms do.