Although the boy's loudness resulted in a sanction from his father there were none forthcoming from customers around them. This suggests that a certain level of tolerance and flexibility is granted to children when regarding social norms -- they are less familiar with them. Also, the boy was under the impression that it was feasible for him to get onto the roof of the library, while the father recognized that this was inappropriate. Additionally, it appears to be a social norm between fathers and sons that the wishes of the young son can be dismissed with little or no explanation, particularly when the norm to remain quiet is tantamount.

It is a social norm to have concern for the time of those behind you when in the checkout line of a library. The man seemed to overlook this or to be unconcerned; this resulted in a minor sanction from the...
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