Social Facts

Social facts are the norms, values, laws, and structures that shape and influence human behavior within a society. They are collective beliefs and practices that exist independently of individual choices, meaning they exert a pressure on individuals to conform. For example, customs around marriage or education are social facts; they guide how people act and interact. Understanding social facts helps to analyze how societies function and how individuals relate to one another within social contexts, highlighting the patterns and influences that go beyond personal preferences or experiences.