Difference Between A More And A Folkway

Delving Deep into the Differences Between Mores and Folkways: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the nuances of social norms is crucial for navigating social interactions and comprehending societal structures. While both mores and folkways represent unwritten rules governing behavior within a society, they differ significantly in their gravity and the consequences of violating them. This comprehensive guide will meticulously explore the differences between mores and folkways, providing clear examples and explanations to solidify your understanding. We'll also delve into the potential overlaps and the crucial role both play in maintaining social order.

Defining Mores and Folkways: The Foundation of Social Norms

Before diving into the distinctions, let's establish clear definitions for both mores and folkways.

What are Mores?

Mores (pronounced MOR-ays) are strong norms that are deeply ingrained in a culture's moral and ethical fabric. They dictate behavior considered essential for the maintenance of social order and reflect the core values of a society. Violating mores often evokes strong disapproval, potentially leading to significant social consequences, ranging from ostracism to formal legal punishment. Mores are not simply customs; they are deeply held beliefs about right and wrong. They represent the fundamental principles upon which a society functions.

What are Folkways?

Folkways, on the other hand, are relatively weak norms. They are everyday customs and conventions that govern less critical aspects of social life. While adherence to folkways is generally expected, the consequences of violating them are typically less severe than those for violating mores. Think of folkways as the everyday courtesies and routines that maintain social order on a more superficial level. Violating a folkway might lead to mild disapproval or embarrassment, but it's unlikely to result in severe repercussions.

Key Differences Between Mores and Folkways: A Comparative Analysis

The distinction between mores and folkways lies primarily in their social significance and the severity of sanctions for violating them. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Severity of Sanctions: The Weight of Transgression

This is perhaps the most significant difference. Violating a more often carries serious consequences, potentially involving formal punishment from legal or societal institutions. For example, committing murder (a violation of a deeply ingrained more against harming others) results in severe legal penalties. In contrast, violating a folkway, such as failing to say "please" and "thank you," generally elicits only mild social disapproval, such as a disapproving glance or a subtle correction.

2. Moral Significance: The Ethical Underpinnings

Mores are strongly tied to a society's moral code. They reflect fundamental values and beliefs about right and wrong, good and evil. For instance, honesty, respect for life, and fairness are generally considered mores. Violating these principles evokes strong moral condemnation. Folkways, however, lack this strong moral dimension. While they contribute to social order, their violation doesn't typically trigger the same level of moral outrage. Examples include table manners, greetings, and appropriate dress codes. While deviating from these can be seen as impolite, it's not necessarily viewed as morally reprehensible.

3. Social Impact: Ripple Effects on Society

The violation of mores can have far-reaching social consequences, potentially destabilizing the social fabric. Crimes like theft, assault, and fraud are examples of more violations that disrupt social order and harm individuals and communities. On the other hand, the impact of folkway violations is usually limited to the immediate social context. For example, not holding the door open for someone might be considered impolite, but it’s unlikely to have a significant wider social impact.

4. Cultural Relativity: Context Matters

Both mores and folkways are culturally relative, meaning they vary significantly across different societies and cultures. What constitutes a more in one culture may be a folkway in another, or vice versa. For instance, public displays of affection may be considered a folkway in some cultures, while in others, they might be a more, with serious social repercussions for violating the norms surrounding them. Similarly, dietary restrictions, clothing choices, and social etiquette differ vastly across various cultures, highlighting the relative nature of these social norms.

Examples of Mores and Folkways: Illustrating the Differences

Let's look at some real-world examples to further clarify the distinctions between mores and folkways:

Mores Examples:

• Respect for human life: This is a fundamental more in most societies. Murder, assault, and other acts of violence against individuals are severely punished.
• Honesty and integrity: Lying, cheating, and stealing are violations of mores, often resulting in legal repercussions and social condemnation.
• Respect for property rights: Theft, vandalism, and trespassing are serious breaches of mores, with consequences ranging from fines and imprisonment to social ostracism.
• Following laws and regulations: Adherence to the laws of the land is considered a fundamental more, with penalties for those who disobey.
• Sexual Morality: Adultery, incest, or other forms of sexual behavior that violate social norms often carry significant social and sometimes legal penalties.

Folkways Examples:

• Table manners: While good table manners are expected in many cultures, violating them generally doesn't lead to serious consequences.
• Saying "please" and "thank you": These are polite conventions expected in many social settings, but their omission is not usually considered a major offense.
• Greeting others appropriately: Different cultures have different norms for greetings. While not following the local customs might be considered rude, it's unlikely to result in significant punishment.
• Dress codes: While certain dress codes are expected in specific settings, such as a formal event, not adhering to them doesn't usually have serious social ramifications.
• Using proper etiquette in conversation: While respecting turns in conversation is generally expected, minor lapses in conversational etiquette rarely lead to serious consequences.

The Interplay and Overlap Between Mores and Folkways: A Complex Relationship

While the differences are clear, it's important to note that the line between mores and folkways can sometimes be blurred. Some behaviors might be considered both a more and a folkway, depending on the specific context and cultural interpretation.

For example, respecting elders might be considered a more in some cultures where it is deeply ingrained in their values and belief systems, resulting in harsh social repercussions for disrespect. In other cultures, respecting elders could be a folkway, where failing to show respect might lead to mild social disapproval, but not serious repercussions.

Conclusion: Navigating the Social Landscape with Understanding

Understanding the distinction between mores and folkways is essential for effective social interaction and a deeper comprehension of societal structures. While both types of norms contribute to maintaining social order, mores carry much heavier weight, reflecting fundamental values and beliefs with significant consequences for transgression. Folkways, on the other hand, govern less critical aspects of daily life and carry milder consequences for violation. However, the relative nature of these norms necessitates consideration of cultural context, as what constitutes a more or a folkway can vary widely across different societies. By acknowledging the nuances of these unwritten rules, we can better navigate social interactions and contribute to a more harmonious and understanding society. This detailed exploration sheds light on the crucial roles mores and folkways play in shaping our social landscape, highlighting their importance in maintaining order and reflecting societal values.