Folkways vs. Mores

Attribute	Folkways	Mores
Definition	Customary behaviors and practices that are considered appropriate within a particular society but are not morally significant.	Strongly held norms that are considered essential to the functioning and well-being of a society, often with moral or ethical implications.
Enforcement	Enforced through informal social control mechanisms, such as social pressure, ridicule, or ostracism.	Enforced through formal social control mechanisms, such as laws, regulations, and legal sanctions.
Importance	Less significant in terms of moral or ethical implications.	Significant in terms of moral or ethical implications.
Consequences	Violating folkways may result in social disapproval or exclusion from certain social groups.	Violating mores may result in legal consequences, social stigma, or severe social sanctions.
Examples	Eating with a fork, shaking hands as a greeting, wearing specific clothing styles.	Respecting the rights of others, not committing murder, not stealing.

Introduction

In any society, there are certain norms and values that guide the behavior of its members. These norms can be categorized into different types, such as folkways and mores. Folkways and mores are both social norms, but they differ in their level of importance and the consequences associated with their violation. In this article, we will explore the attributes of folkways and mores, highlighting their distinctions and significance in shaping social behavior.

Folkways

Folkways are the customary behaviors and practices that are considered appropriate within a particular society. They are the everyday norms that govern our interactions and are often based on tradition, customs, and etiquette. Folkways are not considered to be morally significant, and their violation usually results in mild disapproval or social embarrassment rather than severe punishment or legal consequences.

One key attribute of folkways is their flexibility. They can vary across different cultures, regions, and social groups. For example, the way people greet each other or the appropriate dress code for a specific occasion can differ significantly between societies. Folkways are learned through socialization and observation, and they help maintain social order and cohesion by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior.

Another attribute of folkways is their relative importance. While they are important for maintaining social harmony, the consequences of violating folkways are generally less severe compared to the violation of mores. For instance, if someone fails to hold the door open for another person, it may be seen as impolite or inconsiderate, but it is unlikely to result in serious social consequences or legal repercussions.

Folkways can also change over time as societies evolve and adapt to new circumstances. For example, the introduction of smartphones has led to changes in folkways regarding phone usage in public spaces. What was once considered impolite or disruptive may now be more accepted due to the widespread use of technology.

In summary, folkways are customary behaviors and practices that are flexible, relatively less important, and subject to change. They provide guidelines for everyday interactions and help maintain social order, but their violation typically results in mild disapproval rather than severe consequences.

Mores

Mores, on the other hand, are social norms that are considered to be of fundamental importance to a society. They are deeply ingrained values and beliefs that reflect the moral and ethical standards of a community. Violating mores can lead to severe social sanctions, including ostracism, exclusion, or even legal punishment.

One key attribute of mores is their universality. Unlike folkways, mores are shared by members of a society and are considered to be essential for its functioning. They often revolve around issues such as honesty, integrity, respect for others, and adherence to laws. Violating mores is seen as a threat to the social fabric and can result in significant consequences for the individual.

Mores are typically enforced through social pressure, collective disapproval, and sometimes even legal systems. For example, stealing, murder, or sexual assault are considered violations of mores in almost every society, and they are met with severe punishment to protect the well-being and safety of the community.

Another attribute of mores is their stability. They are deeply rooted in cultural and societal values, often passed down through generations. Mores provide a sense of identity and shared values within a community, and their violation is seen as a betrayal of these core principles. As a result, mores tend to change at a much slower pace compared to folkways.

In summary, mores are fundamental social norms that are universally shared, morally significant, and enforced through severe consequences. They reflect the core values and ethics of a society and play a crucial role in maintaining social order and cohesion.

Conclusion

While both folkways and mores are social norms that guide behavior, they differ in their level of importance and the consequences associated with their violation. Folkways are flexible, relatively less important, and subject to change, while mores are universal, morally significant, and enforced through severe sanctions. Understanding the attributes of folkways and mores helps us comprehend the complex dynamics of social behavior and the role of norms in shaping societies.