Deck 8: Rules and Rule Sequences

Question 1

Most families know exactly how a simple rule (ex: how to fold laundry) emerged.

Answer 1

It is not necessarily true that most families know exactly how a simple rule, such as how to fold laundry, emerged within their household. The development of such rules can be a gradual process influenced by various factors, including:

1. **Tradition**: Some families may follow a method of folding laundry that has been passed down through generations without questioning its origin.

2. **Efficiency**: A particular way of folding laundry may have been adopted because it was deemed the most efficient method by a family member, and over time, it became the standard practice for the household.

3. **Preference**: The rule for folding laundry may have been established based on the personal preference of a dominant family member, such as a parent or caregiver, who prefers laundry to be folded in a certain way.

4. **Space Constraints**: The available storage space can dictate how laundry is folded. For example, limited drawer or closet space may require more compact folding techniques.

5. **Learning**: Family members might have learned a specific folding technique from external sources such as a friend, a laundry service, or online tutorials, and introduced it to the household.

6. **Trial and Error**: The rule could have emerged from experimenting with different folding methods and settling on the one that seemed to work best for the family's needs.

7. **Consensus**: In some cases, family members might have discussed and agreed upon a particular way of folding laundry that suits everyone's preferences.

In many cases, the origin of such a rule is not formally documented or discussed, and over time, the reason behind its adoption may be forgotten or become less important than the fact that the rule is simply followed. Therefore, while some families might have a clear understanding of how a rule like how to fold laundry came to be, it is not accurate to say that most families know exactly how such simple household rules emerged.

Question 2

Explicit rules are more powerful than implicit rules.

Answer 2

This statement can be subjective and depends on the context. However, in many cases, explicit rules are considered more powerful than implicit rules because they are clearly defined and leave no room for interpretation. They provide clear instructions or guidelines on what is expected, allowed, or prohibited, reducing misunderstandings or misinterpretations. On the other hand, implicit rules, while they can be influential, are often unspoken or unwritten and thus can be interpreted differently by different people, leading to potential confusion or inconsistency. Therefore, in terms of clarity, consistency, and enforceability, explicit rules can be seen as more powerful.
**Legal Systems and Organizational Structures:**
In legal systems and organizational structures, explicit rules refer to written laws, regulations, or guidelines that are formally established and communicated to govern behavior. These rules are typically clear, specific, and enforceable. They provide a concrete framework for what is permissible and what is not, and they often outline the consequences for non-compliance.
Implicit rules, on the other hand, are the unwritten norms, customs, or conventions that are understood and followed by members of a society or organization. These rules are not formally documented and may vary based on interpretation, context, or tradition.
Explicit rules are generally considered more powerful in these contexts because they are enforceable through formal mechanisms such as courts or disciplinary procedures. They provide a clear standard that can be consistently applied, reducing ambiguity and the potential for misunderstanding. Implicit rules, while influential in guiding behavior, lack the same level of enforceability and are subject to personal interpretation, which can lead to inconsistency.
**Programming:**
In the context of programming, explicit rules refer to the specific instructions given to a computer through code. Implicit rules might refer to the default behaviors or conventions within a programming language or environment that occur without the programmer having to write code for them.
Explicit rules in programming are powerful because they define precise behavior and control the flow of execution. They ensure that the program behaves exactly as the programmer intends. Implicit rules, while useful for reducing the amount of code a programmer has to write, can lead to unexpected behavior if the programmer is not fully aware of the defaults or conventions of the language or environment.
**Social Norms:**
In social contexts, explicit rules are the clearly stated expectations or guidelines for behavior within a group or society, such as laws or organizational policies. Implicit rules are the social norms that are understood and followed by members of the community but are not formally recorded.
While explicit rules can be enforced through sanctions, implicit rules are powerful in their own right because they are deeply ingrained in the social fabric. They influence behavior through social pressure and the desire to fit in or be accepted by others. However, because they are not formally codified, they can be more flexible and adaptable to change than explicit rules.
**Conclusion:**
In summary, explicit rules are generally considered more powerful because they are clear, enforceable, and provide a consistent standard for behavior. However, the power of implicit rules should not be underestimated, as they play a significant role in shaping social conduct and can be deeply influential within a community or organization. The effectiveness of explicit versus implicit rules often depends on the context and the extent to which they are accepted and internalized by the individuals they are meant to guide.

Question 3

How do normative rules emerge in families?

A) They are brought into the family by either partner coming into the relationship
B) They are adopted by choice or assimilation from external cultural influences
C) They emerge as the result of negotiations in daily life
D) All of the above.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

The adoption of rules from a family of orientation into a couple's new relationship:

A) Usually happens seamlessly, without conflict
B) Is a process of discovery and negotiation.
C) Rarely happens. Instead couples create new rules from scratch
D) A & C

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a metarule?

A) The rules can only be changed during the family council.
B) The rule is homework before TV
C) No one can talk about sports at the dinner table.
D) Bob gets to stay up later because he is older.

Question 6

In the family, implicit rules are:

A) less formalized than explicit rules
B) Recognized, acknowledged or agreed upon
C) Imply that at least 2 people have discussed the rule
D) B & C

Question 7

Mores and folkways are a result of:

A) individual expectations
B) family expectations
C) community expectations

Question 8

Families create rules that are effective for a given developmental age. Problems can arise when:

A) The family rules place a decreased emphasis on obedience as children get older
B) The family uses their ideologies to examine family rules periodically
C) The family relies on consensus building and negotiation to establish rules
D) The family refuses to acknowledge a teen's need for increased independence