Mores and folkways are customs and traditions that last through generations. They influence our actions, showing us what’s right and wrong. But they’re not the same, despite their similarities.
Mores are the moral foundation of a society. They’re the beliefs and values that tell us what’s ethical. Breaking a more can lead to serious social penalties, like being shunned or punished. Folkways, however, are more like social manners. They’re the unspoken rules that help us get along. Breaking a folkway might get some looks, but it’s not as serious.
| Mores | Folkways |
|---|---|
| Moral norms and values | Informal customs and conventions |
| Define right and wrong behavior | Guide everyday interactions |
| Violation leads to severe consequences | Violation leads to minor sanctions or awkwardness |
| Examples: prohibitions on lying, cheating, causing harm | Examples: dress codes, manners, personal space |
Consequences of Violation
Breaking mores can lead to serious consequences like being shunned or facing legal issues. But, breaking folkways usually just gets you some mild disapproval or embarrassment.
| Norm Type | Consequences of Violation |
|---|---|
| Mores | Severe social sanctions, ostracism, legal repercussions |
| Folkways | Mild social disapproval, embarrassment |
Examples of Mores in Society
Societal mores are beliefs that guide our actions and cultural practices. They are unwritten rules that tell us what’s okay and what’s not in our community. Let’s look at some examples of mores in our lives.
Marriage Beliefs and Practices
Marriage mores vary a lot by culture. Some places think it’s a big deal to marry within your own religion or group. Others are more open to different kinds of marriages.
Expectations about being faithful, gender roles, and who does what at home are also set by culture. Breaking these norms can lead to shame or even legal trouble.
Gift-giving is deeply embedded in mores, where the value of gifts and rules regarding their reception vary based on cultural context.
Respect for Parents and Elders
In many cultures, respecting parents and elders is key. Filial piety, or caring for your parents, is a big deal in some places. This means repaying their care, listening to their advice, and taking care of them when they’re old.
Disrespecting elders is seen as a big mistake in these cultures.
- Most societies consider disrespecting parents as a more
- Filial piety is considered a normative behavior in some societies
- Customary norms may include ethical considerations towards family members and superiors
By following these mores, we show we respect our community’s values. Even as mores change, they still guide how we interact with each other and what’s okay to do.
Folkways in Daily Life, Dress Codes and Manners
Manners are key to folkways, teaching us how to behave in social settings. From a young age, we learn to say “please” and “thank you.” We also learn not to interrupt others and to cover our mouths when coughing or sneezing. Their parents teach 75% of kids this.
Table manners are also important, with 80% of societies having rules about using utensils. These customs vary but show respect and politeness at meals.
Personal Space and Privacy
Folkways also cover personal space and privacy. In many cultures, standing too close or invading someone’s space is seen as rude. There are also rules about respecting privacy, like not reading someone else’s mail.
| Folkway | Percentage of Adherence |
|---|---|
| Brushing and flossing teeth daily | 90% |
| Wearing deodorant and perfume regularly | 55% |
| Requiring RSVP responses for social events | 70% |
| Calling ahead if late as a polite gesture | 65% |
Other examples include knocking before entering a room and not asking personal questions right away. These customs help keep boundaries and respect in our daily interactions.
Folkways are the conventions that embody the common decency and morality of a society. They are the basis of all true self-government.
In summary, folkways are the foundation of social order and cohesion. They guide our behavior and interactions, promoting harmony and understanding in our communities. By following these unwritten rules, we show respect for others and uphold our society’s values and traditions.
