A norm is a rule or a standard held by an individual, group or community: for example, that one should obey the law, or that men get respect for going to prison. A narrative is an explanation used by an individual, group, or community to understand and explain why something has happened, is true or false, is justified or unjustified. The norms and narratives held by offenders and potential offenders, communities; and law enforcement have tremendous impact on crime and crime prevention, how each part views the others, and their actions; and their willingness to work together. Recent work has shown that norms and narratives can be directly addressed and even changed, with enormous practical impact. This practice brief addresses the practical aspects of addressing “norms and narratives” in crime prevention.
