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Bored Panda reached out to Arizona Professor of Sociology, Dr. Mia Crawford. We asked her to explain to us what are some of the factors that contribute to changes in social norms and attitudes.

"Well, that's a good question," She started. "As you can guess there are a number of factors that can contribute to changes in social norms and attitudes. For example, demographic shifts. So imagine that changes in the composition of a population can lead to changes in attitudes and norms. An example of that would be, that when a population becomes more diverse, attitudes towards minorities or marginalized groups may shift." Dr. Crawford said.

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Women being financially independent. Being able to have their own bank account, their own credit cards, and take out their own loans without having to have a man co-sign for them.

Marissa Grootes Report

Final score:

370points

John Dilligaf

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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

When my dad left my mom in the 70s, she could not have her name alone on the house, nor a bank account nor credit cards, without her dad co-signing. Women still have few options for being financially independent by comparison. I can't f*****g believe we're not only still begging and fighting for equal wages, but are being dragged back to the dark ages instead. This is the world Conservatives want, after all.

174points

Being openly gay. It used to be taboo and sometimes downright dangerous to be open about it. Now it’s no big deal and I think that’s awesome.

Filmbetrachter Report

Final score:

356points

Jenna James

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Luke Branwen 2 years ago

Still a looong way to go, but it's heading in the right direction.

224points

"Things like economic and technological change can also impact the shift in social norms. For example, advancements in technology may lead to changes in the way people communicate and interact with one another, which in turn can affect social norms.

It's also worth noting that social movements and activism are a big part of this whole thing as well! Social movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement or the LGBTQ rights movement, can also play a significant role in changing social norms and attitudes. These movements bring attention to issues and injustices, and through sustained activism and mobilization of people, bring about changes in the laws and social norms."

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Tattoos. My parents cried and said I would never find a job.

ilovetattoos Report

Final score:

299points

Monica Michelle

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Rachel Reynolds 2 years ago

I went from an office job where I had to cover all my tattoos and my boss tried to publicly shame me fore getting another one (I say tried because I have no shame) to a blue collar job where the rest of the shop is emotionally invested as I design my sleeve.

181points

RAEng_Publications Report

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Being accepted and treated like a normal person despite having disabilities and disorders.

It wasn't that long ago people with any form of mental, learning, physical and cognitive disabilities or mental disorders were put in mental hospitals and cruel asylums when all they needed was some extra help from an Aide or counseling. People would be mean and call slower kids the 'R-word', bully them and teachers would outcast them to a "special ed" program.

Some kids never even get an assessment or diagnosis because their parents would be more concerned about the social impact, or refused to cater to the thought bad marks were not the fault of their child.

Now, kids who need extra support or be somewhere quiet to do their work go to the resource rooms, which sounds more inclusive.

Final score:

279points

BadCat

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Bianca Landry 2 years ago

Still happens today tho.

96points

"Lastly, we cannot exclude psychological and cultural factors: Social norms and attitudes can be influenced by psychological factors like cognitive biases and cultural factors like tradition, religion, and beliefs." Dr. Mia shared.

We also asked Dr. Crawford to explain some of the key factors that influence the acceptance or rejection of something in society. She broke down the complex dynamics behind social norms and attitudes, and provided some insights and examples that shed light on the subject.

"A variety of key elements can play a role in determining the level of acceptance or rejection of something within a society. One must first take a look at social norms and expectations. People tend to conform to the norms and expectations of their social groups. When something is seen as acceptable or normal within a particular group, it is more likely to be accepted by the individuals within that group." Dr. Crawford told Bored Panda.

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Cosplay. Especially cosplay for people with disabilities or less-than-ideal bodies. I'm a cosplayer, I'm partially disabled and overweight, and no one bats an eye at the con when I dress up.

izhora22 Report

Final score:

266points

Buggycas

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Autistic apricot 2 years ago

So true

49points

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Crying for men.

StockSnap Report

Final score:

254points

Titas Burinskas

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Full Name 2 years ago

Crying as a man

137points

"Another thing that could be counted equally as important is the fact that familiarity breeds acceptance." The sociologist shared. "When people are exposed to something and given the chance to become familiar with it, they are more likely to accept it. Initially, new or unfamiliar things may be met with rejection, but as people become more accustomed to them, their attitudes can shift."

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community According to an Emily Post Etiquette book published in 1984, it was not socially acceptable to ask a guest NOT to smoke in your home.

Andres Siimon Report

Final score:

228points

Scrupulous Panda

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Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

You could not ask someone to not smoke, esp if you were a kid. I now have severe asthma thanks to being stuck in closed spaces with smokers for my entire childhood. If you asked to move or roll down a window, you'd get in trouble.

101points

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Bi-racial relationships & Bi-racial children

Lareised Leneseur Report

Final score:

212points

Gladys Hayes Southerland

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Louisa johnson Premium 2 years ago

I love seeing bi racial families, it's a big FU to all these racist d@&ks. Plus mixed raced people are really very striking to look at, things like black skin with blue eyes, the model with the darkest skin in the world, there are so many beautiful people out there, see what happens when love has no barriers. Screw the racists, I was raised in a very racist and homophobic home. I was a child I did not understand why we did not like people with different colour skin, I'm now in my 30s and feel so guilty for believing that was the norm until my late teens. I still feel so bad for not being a better person and connecting the dots, like why is this persons skin colour an issue? I have other family huge homophobes, they have no place in my life or my kids.

66points

"Though there are a lot more factors to this, and I only named a few, these are one of the most important ones. These factors play a crucial role in shaping societal acceptance or rejection of something, however, it's important to note that their interplay and importance can change depending on the specific context and society." The sociologist lastly stated.

#10

Maybe someone has already said this, I don't know. Back when I was growing up it was considered bad manners to make an incoming phone call more important than the person that you were talking to, right there, in person. I am still appalled at how many people answer their cell phones even if you're sitting right there in person talking to them. Seems like bad manners to me.

Final score:

209points

Clover

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Susanne B 2 years ago (edited)

I totally agree. I have a friend who sometimes call me, but has to cut me "because her boyfriend is calling". Very often I don't answer her calling me again that day, because I find myself being put down by it. It is different if I am the one to call her.

69points

#11

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Women exposing their ankles.

pascalepp Report

Final score:

208points

POST

Reyna Avila Ramírez-Arellano 2 years ago

Although at my school, my skirt must be no higher than 2 inches above my knee.

40points

Alexander Yuhchenko Report

#12

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Well not entirely acceptable by everyone yet, but it's starting to be: men who aren't cross-dressers or even gay wearing skirts/nail polish/makeup.

Final score:

206points

WitchyWoo

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WitchyWoo (Submission author) 2 years ago

And I fully support being you and expressing yourself. I think it's awesome that this is happening and becoming more acceptable to society. An article of clothing or accessory shouldn't be genderized.

134points

#13

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Natural hair being accepted as professional.

Tamas Pap Report

Final score:

205points

Lauren Wilder

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Hales M 2 years ago

Still isn't in many sectors where i live unfortunately

45points

#14

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community K-12 girls being allowed to wear pants to school. I know it's still no tube tops or short shorts, etc., but when I was in school, girls wore dresses and skirts, and if you knelt and the skirt didn't touch the floor, it was deemed to be too short. In high school, there were about 2 designated days per year when we could wear pants.

Frank Flores Report

Final score:

202points

Karen Bryan

POST

Gladys Hayes Southerland 2 years ago

Pants are so much more practical & safe for females to wear to school.

128points

#15

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Protesting whaling.

Thomas Lipke Report

Final score:

185points

POST

tara 2 years ago

Protest the hell outta it.

96points

#16

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Females in revealing clothes. I'm grateful that I can wear pants/shorts. I hate dresses.

Julia Kicova Report

Final score:

179points

Yeet_girl360

POST

*Displayname*=idk (Submission author) 2 years ago

Actually I don't hate dresses. I just hate that I can't find one that fits my body type and looks cute.

107points

#17

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Cannabis use, especially (where it’s legal for recreation,) is much more acceptable than it was years ago.

Ringo Hoffmann Report

Final score:

178points

Suz66

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tara 2 years ago

I'm in Canada and Justin Trudeau is now my dealer. Yay!

61points

#18

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Discussing private issues.

Külli Kittus Report

Final score:

177points

Maddy Panda

POST

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

Depression. Sexual abuse. Queer identities. Harassment. Bad parenting. Not wanting to have kids/marry. We literally could not even breathe hints that some of these things existed for most of our lives.

146points

the leopard gecko overlord

#19

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Being LGBTQ+ and supporting it. Also, someone said being openly gay and I’m not trying to copy them.

Teddy O Report

Final score:

169points

POST

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

A related one would be HIV no longer being a death sentence. In the 80s-90s, when someone said they were positive, you knew you only had a year or two left with them, and it was going to be agony for them. Not anymore.

118points

#20

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Having babies out of wedlock.

Omar Lopez Report

Final score:

166points

Lynlee

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AnonymousApple 2 years ago

My now-husband was concerned when our first was born because we weren't married and he thought being a bastard was still a stigma. Not gonna lie, I laughed.

79points

#21

not liking religion. if you didn't like church the church would not like you existing

Final score:

158points

best turtle

POST

Phoenix Connor 2 years ago

Even if I was religious l, I wouldn't be able to sit still at a place of worship. I get cold if I sit still for 2-5 minutes or more while awake. I have to use a blanket when I watch TV

33points

#22

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community 1. Looking like you're talking to yourself.

The in past you've been taken away to the crazy hospital. These days you're most likely on your phone so you can feel free to talk to yourself all you want and just blame it on that, lol.

2. Being an actual crazy person.

It used to be if you were crazy they'd give you tin foil to play with and cart you off to a mental hospital because you shouldn't be allowed in regular society. Now you can say things like believing the earth is flat. Or that school shootings where children have died and it can be proven are just 'false flags' and never happened. Or that the government is a conspiracy of snake people from another planet. And instead of a tin foil hat, you get elected to the house of representatives or a radio show making millions of dollars.

Alesia Gritcuk Report

Final score:

155points

Kate Jones

POST

Lizzy Crit 2 years ago

Mental hospitals "back in the day" did FAR worse things than give you tinfoil to play with

75points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#23

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Black people going to the same school as white people (but I guess that’s racism) but it was still socially unacceptable.

Ivan Aleksic Report

Final score:

154points

Pascal Arevalo

POST

Magpie 2 years ago

The past was a harsh time. I really hope humans are becoming more civilized. I have seen some horrible pictures of when the change was happening.

41points

Priscilla Du Preez Report

#24

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Being friends with an African American person.

Final score:

149points

Solangelo4life!!!

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Magpie 2 years ago

* I think you probably mean "Being friends with an African American person, If you are not also African American". And I really hope this has changed. .... not sure if Indigenous Australians feel that it has.

64points

#25

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Not answering your phone. It used to be expected that if you were home and the phone rang, you picked it up. Then there were answering machines so we could screen. Then voicemail, and now we have a call display so you can just decline. I honestly never expect people to pick up if I call. Text is way easier anyway.

Jae Park Report

Final score:

146points

Lyoness

POST

BadCat 2 years ago

I still get people pissed off when I don't answer my home phone. My mom will call my cellphone, text me and then try my home phone. If I don't answer, then I did a terrible, horrible thing. Then I get interrogated where I've been, why I didn't answer or reply to her texts. Like geezus. I miss not having all these communication avenues.

54points

#26

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Not dressing to the 9s when on an airplane. You used to essentially have to wear business suits/business formal when flying. Now comfy clothes are fine.

Hanson Lu Report

Final score:

146points

Steve Dowell

POST

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

It's a giant, dirty bus, in the air. I'd wear a plastic bubble if I could.

139points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#27

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Expressing pro-LGBTQ opinions without first saying "I'm not gay, but..."

Jason Leung Report

Final score:

145points

Maria Vrooland

POST

Veru Jaros 2 years ago

YEAS

23points

#28

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Telling your parents they're wrong.

Sandy Millar Report

Final score:

144points

RedPepper

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EpicWolfandSparrow 2 years ago

Just did this the other day, it was so awesome. She called me a b*tch in front of my coworkers this morning, but it was worth it. No one calls me a liar for having sleep problems and then gets mad at me for them later! Have fun with that "mom"

50points

#29

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Being a minority, whether it be religious or ethnic. Luckily, it is legal to not be a white Christain now, but you used to be mobbed or persecuted over what you believe in or what you look like.

Michael Dziedzic Report

Final score:

140points

ForThePeople he/him

POST

$cagsy 2 years ago

These days, literally nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

12points

#30

Accomodating neurodivergent people. Don't get me wrong, it's still awful. But it's a hell of a lot better than it was maybe 5 years ago. Whether it's "autism hours" in supermarkets to lower risk of overstimulation or just not commenting on stims being "weird", it's definitely progress. It's less taboo and less ignored now than it's been in the past

Final score:

140points

Rowan [He/They]

POST

Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago

I am a high functioning autistic so I'm not overly sensitive to noise or bright lights, but I still appreciate people understanding my DIFFERENCE! Not disability, not fault, not defect, DIFFERENCE!

101points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#31

The stigma surrounding mental illness has dissipated. We can now talk openly about mental health struggles and even take a mental health day off work. Mental Health struggles are being seen as legitimate and debilitating illnesses that used to be brushed off and people told to "Brighten up" or "Just get over it"

Final score:

133points

Martina Moreau

POST

AnonymousApple 2 years ago

In my own personal experience, this is true. I have bad anxiety and sometimes have panic attacks. My current employer and coworkers are so understanding about it, whereas in the past I've been penalized or even mocked for having anxiety.

36points

#32

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Not knowing how to write in cursive.

Kelly Sikkema Report

Final score:

123points

WitchyWoo

POST

Gladys Hayes Southerland 2 years ago

I'm sorry cursive is no longer being taught. We are losing a great art.

195points

#33

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Swearing (to an extent).

Etienne Girardet Report

Final score:

120points

Martha B.

POST

Mrs. Jan Glass 2 years ago

Especially for women. I still have people policing my wording when I use profanity. My favorite thing is when some Conservative Christian unleashes all of their usual rhetoric about how I'm a murderer sinner brainwasher who's going to burn in hell for all eternity and LGBTQ+ is a sin, and when I respond with "f**k off," they then complain about my "bad language" and it's "unladylike" and "rude." Sorry, but I think telling a kid that they're going to burn in hell for being bi is far more offensive than a four-letter word, but I'm just so wacky and sinful that way. But really, f**k ALL the way off.

178points

#34

Being a witch/pagan although I did discover that in some countries it is still best to keep your pentacle tucked away,

Final score:

115points

Chich

POST

Tamra 2 years ago

After all the s**t that mainstream religions has put humankind through, I can say I have no problems with pagans. They don't try to force their ideologies on anyone.

81points

#35

being gay

Final score:

99points

Chance Scrotumsackington

POST

Deborah 2 years ago

Please don't down vote. People get banned

20points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#36

disrespect and rudeness. it happens all the time and no one speaks up because they're afraid of the confrontation and i don't blame them. rage is on the rise.

Final score:

99points

Cynthia Black

POST

AnonymousApple 2 years ago

Honestly, disrespect and rudeness have always existed. I feel like people romanticize the past in a way that's not realistic. Every single generation thinks the next generation coming up is so much worse than theirs. It's really not any different. I think the opposite - people speak up about rudeness and disrespect so much that they're labelled "snowflakes."

48points

#37

Mylar balloons aren't good for the environment. They can short-circuit power equipment and lead to outages and fires. They can float for days and miles and return to earth as ugly litter that pollutes pristine places. They end up in the stomachs of countless land animals and sea creatures that eat them and die. They waste helium which is a finite resource. They are synthetic products that will never biodegrade. They're pretty to look at but releasing them to ride the winds is irresponsible.

Final score:

95points

E2U&U2

POST

E2U&U2 (Submission author) 2 years ago

So, I read this prompt backward. This answer works if the question was worded opposite, "What is something that ISN'T socially acceptable now, that used to be okay?" I'd delete it, but I don't know how.

71points

#38

"Times Have Changed": 40 Examples Of Things That Were Once Unacceptable But Are Now Accepted As Shared By The Bored Panda Community Now I actually think about it... anything. You can carry a lightsaber in public and nobody blinks, everybody has an opinion but nobody is accountable, and now I've said all of that, I'll let you know that it was what ruined the Star wars franchise years ago.

Alexander Jawfox Report

Final score:

94points

POST

Holly Bee 2 years ago

Brilliant, love this 😆

19points

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

See Also on Bored Panda

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#39

Being a Catholic Christian. The KKK tried to wipe us out. One Catholic priest was killed because a White Protestant man's daughter married someone outside of her own race.

Final score:

58points

Katarzyna M. Matracz

POST

Gladys Hayes Southerland 2 years ago

Yes, Black people were not the only target. Jews, Catholics, gays, and other groups that were not WASP

65points

#40

Wearing colours at Wimbledon

Final score:

57points

POST

David Boyd 2 years ago

Extra points for spelling!

34points