How the norms of society became a social barriers to change?

Question

How the norms of society became a social barriers to change?

Answer 1

Norms, by definition are barriers to any sort of deviation, good or bad.

Change is only possible when people deviate from past practices, and norms are in place to ensure that people do not deviate from predictable, tried and true means.  If a person breaks a norm, they become unpredictable, and society takes a dim view to that.

In order for someone to institute a change, first they have to have an original  idea, rare in itself, and then they have to have the fortitude to go against the system.  

Answer 2

people are slow to change even for the better because they are lazy, set in their ways or afraid of what others may think. the ones in society that eventually end up winning or being successfully are the ones that are willing to take a chance.-blurey