Behaviour

What do we mean by behaviour?

To begin this course we are going to spend a bit of time thinking about what we actually mean by behaviour. 

Behaviour can be described in many ways. See the below list for some examples of these. 

• A response to what is happening externally.
• A response to what is happening within.
• Every observable emotion.
• Every physical action.
• Offers insights into a person’s world.
• Changes throughout the lifespan.
• Influenced by society and culture.
• Dictated by age and genetics.
• Driven by thoughts and feelings.

Human behaviour falls within a range with some behaviour being common, some unusual, some acceptable, and some beyond acceptable limits. Behaviour is not a personal characteristic like blue eyes or size nine feet. It is something which changes according to circumstances. Behaviour is a description of an interaction in a certain place at a certain time.

Behaviour generally includes actions, including those that have no particular meaning and those not being directed at other people.

Social behaviour is a more advanced social action, specifically directed at other people. The acceptability of behaviour depends heavily upon social norms and is regulated by various means of social control.

Human behaviour is experienced throughout an individual’s entire lifetime. It includes the way they act based on different factors such as genetics, social norms, religious beliefs or faith, and attitude. Behaviour is impacted by certain traits each individual has. The traits vary from person to person and can produce different actions or behaviour from each person.

Social norms that surround a person also have an impact on behaviour. In human society we are pressured into following certain rules and displaying certain behaviours, which conditions the way people behave. Behaviours are deemed to be either acceptable or unacceptable in different societies and cultures. Levels of tolerance to human behaviour vary massively depending on a huge variety of factors.