A Method to Identify and Validate Social Norms Related to Dress

Abstract

The purpose of this three-phase study was to develop a method to identify and validate social norms related to dress, specifically body modifications. In Phase 1, the process of social control framed the preliminary identification of 35 body modification norms using reports in advice columns. In Phase 2, some of the 35 norms were empirically validated by human participants, leading to the conclusion that a minimum of 61% consensus was needed to either confirm or refute a statement as a norm. In Phase 3, a more powerful statistical analysis and a second sample of human participants validated the norms based on strength of consensus. Subgroup analyses were used to investigate statements that were neither confirmed nor refuted. Between Phase 2 and 3 samples, agreement on the statements related to body modifications was 83%. Limitations of the study and suggestions for further research are provided.