Have you ever wondered why we do certain things without even thinking about it?
That’s because of norms – the unspoken rules that guide our behavior.
Let’s break down the different types of norms.
Folkways: Everyday Etiquette
These are the casual rules we follow without really thinking about them.
Things like saying “please” and “thank you” or holding the door open for someone are folkways.
If you break a folkway, people might think you’re rude, but they probably won’t be too upset.
Mores: The Serious Stuff
Mores are rules with a moral compass. They’re about right and wrong.
Things like honesty, loyalty, and respect fall into this category.
Breaking a more can lead to serious consequences, like losing friends or being kicked out of a group.
Taboos: The Big No-Nos
Taboos are the strongest norms. They’re behaviors that are completely off-limits.
Things like incest or cannibalism are taboos in most cultures.
Breaking a taboo can lead to severe punishment, sometimes even being outcast from society.
Laws: The Written Rules
Laws are norms that have been written down and enforced by the government.
They’re the most formal type of norm. While many laws are based on mores, not all of them are.
Remember: These aren’t always clear-cut categories. Sometimes, a behavior can be both a folkway and a more. And, as societies change, so do norms.
Understanding these different types of norms helps us see how our behavior is shaped by the cultures and groups we belong to.
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