📚 Learning Guide
Understanding Taboos and Norms
medium

Which of the following examples best illustrates the difference between a taboo and a folkway in social norms?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Eating with utensils versus eating with hands

B

Not using profanity in public versus not talking during a movie

C

Engaging in cannibalism versus not wearing shoes indoors

D

Tipping at restaurants versus wearing formal attire to a wedding

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

A taboo is a strong social prohibition against certain actions that are considered extremely offensive or unacceptable, while a folkway is a more casual social norm that guides everyday behavior without severe consequences. For example, in many cultures, it is taboo to eat human flesh, as this is seen as morally wrong and deeply disturbing. On the other hand, it is a folkway to dress appropriately for a formal event; if someone shows up in casual clothes, they might receive disapproving looks but not face serious repercussions. The key difference lies in the severity of the social response: breaking a taboo can lead to strong social condemnation, while breaking a folkway usually just leads to mild disapproval. Understanding these differences helps us see how societies maintain order and shared values.

Detailed Explanation

Cannibalism is a strong taboo, meaning it's very wrong in society. Other options are incorrect because This option confuses the seriousness of norms; Not using profanity is a strong social rule, but not talking during a movie is a folkway.

Key Concepts

ritual behavior
folkways
Topic

Understanding Taboos and Norms

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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