Types of Social Norms and Their Variations Quiz

Folkways and Mores

• Folkways are informal norms or practices that govern everyday behavior, such as dress codes or table manners.
• Mores are norms with moral significance that dictate right and wrong behavior, often tied to societal values.
• Folkways violations typically occur in casual settings without severe repercussions, like wearing inappropriate clothing to a gathering.

Distinctions Between Mores and Folkways

• Mores are strictly adhered to and enforced through social pressure, while folkways are more lenient and require less moral judgment.
• Violation of mores can lead to serious social condemnation, whereas folkways violations are often overlooked.

Taboos

• A taboo is a strong social prohibition against certain behaviors or practices, deeply rooted in cultural beliefs.
• The Catholic Church considers birth control as taboo, reflecting its teachings on procreation and family planning.

Specific Cultural Practices

• The Jewish and Islamic faiths prohibit the consumption of pork, viewing it as unclean based on religious dietary laws.

Legal Consequences

• Violating laws results in legal repercussions such as fines, imprisonment, or other penalties as dictated by the legal system.
• Laws against bigamy address the legal recognition of multiple marriages, which is prohibited in most cultures for reasons of legal, social, and ethical order.