Social Norms
Social norms present a set of rules guiding the behavior of individuals within a group or community. In the modern world, social norms can change with time and can be influenced by culture, values, beliefs, and the environment created by social interactions. Therefore, the term social norm can collectively be applied to all formal and informal rules relating to society’s expectations of human behavior.
Folkways and more present social norms with core differences, focusing on the possible severity of violations. William Sinner introduced the idea of folkways and mores in sociology in the early 1900s (Manning, 2014). Sumner initially defined three types of social norms with an informal nature, which included folkways, mores, and taboos. Still, he explained that taboos are easy to define because these rules directly forbid certain behaviors (Manning, 2014). Therefore, defining the differences between mores and folkways presents the main point in understanding their function as mechanisms of social control.
Folkways
Firstly, folkways can be perceived as unwritten laws and customs sourced from culture and traditions. Therefore, while people are expected to adhere to folkways, violating these informal rules is not offensive. Moreover, due to folkways’ connection with culture and traditions, those who intentionally or unknowingly break folkways’ rules cannot be considered criminals or bad people. However, the behavior of people who do not adhere to folkways can be perceived by society as rude and disrespectful.
Mores
Similar to folkways, mores also present a set of informal rules. However, mores are based on society’s moral guidelines, determining good or bad actions. While folkways do not imply a punishment for their violation, breaking mores can result in substantial negative consequences for the offender. For example, talking behind a friend’s back is unethical and violates mores.
Thus, if an individual finds out that his friend gossips behind his back, he will stop communicating with the friend and tell others to avoid him. On the contrary, if gossip were considered disrespectful behavior that violates folkways, the individuals would not stop communicating with the friend, but would lose respect for the friend. Therefore, while mores and folkways can influence society’s attitude towards the individual, they have varying degrees of social control.
Reference
Manning, P. D. (Ed.). (2014). On folkways and mores: William Graham Sumner then and now. Routledge.