Opinion to society?

Question

In your opinion, who defines the norms of a society in today's world? Do these norms have an impact on the common people?

Answer 1

its a conglomeration of factors and players.  politicians quite a fair bit, the pple,  the steerers eg media / fashion / trend setters.  they act according to the environment ie political, social, economic, cultural etc.  the shaping of the political culture as we read in soc sci theories are all these factors interplaying wth each other.  

eg now children's book sales is shooting up 'cos superstar madonna is writing it.  so if a nonentity were to do so, it will be a complete flop!  the masses get swayed by these trend setters.  

oprah is another example.  food guru is changing the trend of eating but the fast food lobby is getting stronger with all kinds of ads.

its mesmerizing, fascinating, amazing