What term would best represent societal norms that are often accepted without question?

The term that best represents societal norms accepted without question is "social constructs." Social constructs refer to the ideas, perceptions, and norms that are created and accepted by a society, often becoming ingrained within that culture. These constructs define how individuals should behave, interact, and perceive the world around them, often without critical examination or questioning.

In many cases, social constructs shape our understanding of reality, influencing values and beliefs that people may adhere to simply because they have always been accepted as normal or appropriate. For instance, concepts of gender roles, race, and class distinctions are often seen as natural or given by society, although they are actually created through social interactions and consensus.

Although social customs, collective beliefs, and institutional practices all relate to societal norms, they do not capture the essence of unquestioned acceptance as precisely as social constructs. Social customs refer to established ways of behaving in specific contexts, which can change over time. Collective beliefs suggest a group agreement on particular ideas but may still be open to questioning. Institutional practices focus on formal structures and rules within organizations, which may not necessarily represent broader societal norms that are accepted without scrutiny.