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HomeHomework HelpsociologyTypes of Social Norms

Types of Social Norms

Social norms are the unwritten rules that govern behavior within a society, and they can be categorized into three main types: folkways, mores, and taboos. Folkways are informal guidelines that dictate everyday behavior, while mores are more serious norms that are codified into laws; taboos represent actions that are universally condemned. Understanding these categories is crucial in sociology as they help explain how cultural context shapes individual and group behavior, as well as the consequences of deviating from these norms.

beginner
2 hours
Sociology
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Overview

Social norms are essential components of society that dictate how individuals should behave in various situations. They can be categorized into different types, including folkways, mores, taboos, and laws, each with varying degrees of importance and consequences for violations. Understanding these n...

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Key Terms

Folkways
Casual norms that guide everyday behavior.

Example: Saying 'please' and 'thank you' is a folkway.

Mores
Norms with moral significance that dictate right and wrong.

Example: Stealing is a violation of mores.

Taboos
Strong prohibitions against certain behaviors.

Example: Incest is considered a taboo in most cultures.

Laws
Formal norms enforced by the state.

Example: Traffic laws regulate how we drive.

Norms
Rules or expectations for behavior in a society.

Example: Social norms dictate dress codes.

Culture
The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group.

Example: Different cultures have unique social norms.

Related Topics

Cultural Anthropology
Study of cultural variations and social norms across different societies.
intermediate
Social Psychology
Explores how social norms influence individual behavior and group dynamics.
intermediate
Deviance
Examines behaviors that violate social norms and the societal reactions to them.
advanced

Key Concepts

FolkwaysMoresTaboosLaws