During childhood, we gain knowledge of the rules of our society and the punishments or consequences that enforce those constraints. The constraints of our society fall into two broad categories: rules and traditions. Freedom of will or pre-defined role is revealed through the willingness to break rules or existing traditions.
Traditions are simply the expected life script for how things are done. Traditions are more malleable than rules, such as choosing different side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner or creating special family traditions for Christmas. Traditions can also be modified generation to generation, such as the lighting of Unity candles during weddings, something that was rarely if ever done during the mid-Twentieth century. Violation of a tradition may disapproval by family or social leaders, but it is rarely punished except by disapproval and never punished via legal means.
Rules are specific guidelines, written down in many cases. They are less personalized than traditions. Rules are enforced by means greater than social disapproval. Breaking a tradition can be a matter of trend setting. Breaking a rule is a violation of a social contract or constraints set by leaders and managers. Violating rules can result in physical discipline for children and loss of privileges. For adults, violating rules can result in fines, expulsion from a group and even incarceration. Rules are defined by leading authorities or senior members of a group and enforced by them or their representatives.
Differences
Attending a different private school or college than your parents breaks a tradition. Failing to send your children to school violates rules enforced by truancy officers and the police. Buying a fancy car in a community that favors modest lifestyles breaks a tradition. Running a red light violates traffic rules and results in a fine if not a jail sentence. Wearing the latest fashions breaks a tradition. Wearing revealing clothing to a prom can be a violation of rules or tradition.
Teenagers drinking alcohol at the prom are violating socially defined rules and risk incarceration, loss of their driver’s license and their parents having to pay hundreds of dollars in fines. Refusing to celebrate Christmas may anger grandparents, but it will not land you in jail. Refusing to follow a police officer's directions can land you in jail.