Points to Remember:
- Folkways are informal norms, while mores are formal norms.
- Violation of folkways results in mild social disapproval, while violation of mores results in severe social sanctions.
- Folkways govern everyday behavior, while mores govern moral and ethical behavior.
- Folkways are less rigid than mores.
Introduction:
Sociology distinguishes between various types of social norms that govern human behavior within a society. Two crucial categories are folkways and mores. Both are unwritten rules that guide social interactions, but they differ significantly in their importance and the consequences of violating them. Understanding this distinction is vital for comprehending social control and the evolution of societal values. While there’s no single, universally agreed-upon definition, the core difference lies in the severity of the social response to their violation.
Body:
1. Definition and Nature:
Folkways: These are informal norms that guide everyday behavior. They are customs, traditions, and conventions that are learned through socialization. Examples include saying “please” and “thank you,” table manners, or greetings. They are relatively flexible and vary across cultures and even within subcultures of the same society. Violation of folkways typically results in mild social disapproval, such as raised eyebrows or a whispered comment.
Mores: These are formal norms that embody a society’s moral principles and values. They are considered essential for maintaining social order and stability. Examples include prohibitions against murder, theft, and adultery. Mores are more rigid than folkways, and their violation often leads to severe social sanctions, including legal penalties, ostracism, or even violence.
2. Consequences of Violation:
Folkways: The consequences for violating folkways are generally mild and informal. Someone who doesn’t follow proper table manners might be considered impolite, but they won’t face legal repercussions. The sanctions are primarily social pressure to conform.
Mores: Violating mores carries much more serious consequences. These violations often involve legal penalties (e.g., imprisonment for murder) and strong social disapproval, potentially leading to social exclusion or even violence in some cases. The sanctions aim to reinforce the moral principles underlying the mores.
3. Examples:
Folkways: Using chopsticks in Asian cultures, shaking hands in Western cultures, queuing in line, wearing appropriate clothing for specific occasions. These are customary behaviors, and deviations are generally tolerated with minor social consequences.
Mores: Incest, murder, theft, perjury. These actions violate fundamental moral principles and are punishable by law and severe social stigma. The consequences are designed to deter such behavior and protect society.
4. Cultural Variations:
Both folkways and mores are culturally relative. What is considered a folkway in one culture might be a more in another, and vice versa. For example, public displays of affection might be a folkway in some cultures but a more in others. This cultural relativity highlights the importance of understanding the specific social context when evaluating behavior.
Conclusion:
In summary, folkways and mores are both crucial components of social control, but they differ significantly in their importance and the consequences of their violation. Folkways govern everyday behavior and are relatively flexible, while mores embody a society’s core moral values and are strictly enforced. Understanding this distinction is essential for analyzing social interactions and the dynamics of social order. Promoting a society that respects both folkways and mores, while also recognizing cultural diversity, is crucial for fostering social harmony and progress. This requires a balanced approach that emphasizes both individual freedom and the collective good, ensuring that social norms evolve in a way that reflects the changing values of society while upholding fundamental ethical principles.
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