In sociology, folkways and mores are two categories of social norms that regulate human behavior in a society. Folkways are the everyday customs and conventions that are followed within a culture, while mores are the more serious and deeply held values and beliefs that shape the behavior of individuals within a society. Both play a significant role in shaping the culture and social fabric of a community.
One example of folkways in action can be seen in the way people greet each other in different cultures. In Western cultures, it is common to shake hands when meeting someone, while in some Asian cultures, bowing is a more common form of greeting. These customs may seem small and insignificant, but they are an important part of the social norms that govern our interactions with others.
Mores, on the other hand, are more deeply held values that are often tied to cultural or religious beliefs. For example, in many Western cultures, there is a strong emphasis on the value of individualism and personal freedom. This value is reflected in the laws and social norms that protect the rights of individuals to make their own choices and decisions. In contrast, in some Eastern cultures, there is a stronger emphasis on the importance of community and the collective good, which is reflected in the social norms that prioritize the needs of the group over those of the individual.
Another example of mores can be seen in the way that different societies view and regulate marriage and family relationships. In some cultures, marriage is seen as a sacred institution that is regulated by strict cultural or religious norms, while in other cultures, marriage is viewed as a more flexible and personal arrangement. Similarly, the roles and responsibilities of family members within a household can vary significantly across different cultures, with some cultures valuing gender roles and others promoting more egalitarian relationships.
Overall, folkways and mores play a significant role in shaping the culture and social norms of a society. They provide a set of guidelines for how people are expected to behave and interact with others, and they can vary significantly across different cultures and communities. Understanding these social norms is an important aspect of studying sociology and can help us better understand the ways in which different societies operate and the values that shape their social fabric.
