Rules, standards, or patterns of behavior accepted and shared by a society or a particular cultural group that determine what actions are considered acceptable and expected and which are not. They serve as forms of regulation of behavior in society, ensuring consistency and order in collective life. Cultural norms include both formalized rules (e.g., laws) and informal expectations (e.g., customs, traditions, etiquette), and are closely related to cultural values and social control over compliance with these norms.