What Is One Difference Between A More And A Folkway
Introduction:
Let’s dive into the world of social norms and behaviors by exploring the difference between more and folkways. Understanding these concepts can help us navigate social interactions with ease.
Definition of More:
– A more is a norm that is considered vital to the well-being of a society.
– It often carries a strong sense of moral significance and is enforced with formal sanctions.
Definition of Folkway:
– A folkway, on the other hand, is a norm that is more casual and less severe in nature.
– It is based on traditional behaviors and customs within a culture.
Difference Between More and Folkway:
Level of Importance:
– More: Considered crucial to the functioning and moral fabric of society.
– Folkway: Relates to everyday, routine behavior that is more informal.
Enforcement:
– More: Often enforced with formal sanctions, such as laws or punishments.
– Folkway: Typically enforced informally through social disapproval or ostracism.
Consequences of Violation:
– More: Violating a more can lead to serious repercussions, including legal consequences or social stigma.
– Folkway: Violating a folkway may result in mild disapproval or social awkwardness, but usually does not have severe consequences.
Flexibility:
– More: Less flexible and more rigid in nature due to its moral significance.
– Folkway: More flexible and adaptable to changes in social norms and customs.
Examples:
– More: Laws against murder, theft, and other criminal offenses that are considered essential for societal order.
– Folkway: Customs related to greetings, table manners, or dress codes that are more based on tradition and social conventions.
Understanding the distinction between more and folkway can help us navigate various social situations with awareness and respect for cultural norms. Remembering these differences can help us uphold the values and traditions that shape our society while also adapting to changing social dynamics.
FAQs:
1. What happens if a more is violated?
– Violating a more can lead to serious consequences, such as legal penalties or significant social stigma.
2. Can folkways change over time?
– Yes, folkways can evolve as societal norms and customs shift over time, leading to changes in everyday behaviors.
3. How can one determine if a norm is a more or a folkway?
– One way to distinguish between the two is by evaluating the level of importance and severity of consequences associated with the norm.
4. Are folkways more prevalent in certain cultures?
– Folkways are often based on cultural traditions and customs, so they may vary in prevalence across different societies.
5. Do all societies have the same more and folkway norms?
– No, social norms and behaviors can vary greatly across different cultures and societies, leading to diverse sets of more and folkway norms.
6. Can folkways become mores over time?
– In some cases, folkways can evolve into mores as they gain greater significance and are formalized within a society.
7. Are there any universal more norms across all cultures?
– While there are some common moral principles shared across cultures, specific more norms can vary significantly from one society to another.
8. How do social institutions influence the development of more and folkway norms?
– Social institutions, such as family, education, and religion, play a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing societal norms, including more and folkways.
9. Can individuals challenge or change existing more and folkway norms?
– Individuals can contribute to the evolution of norms by challenging outdated practices or advocating for new social standards that align with changing values and beliefs.
10. What role does cultural diversity play in shaping more and folkway norms?
– Cultural diversity enriches the spectrum of norms and behaviors within societies, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting different cultural practices and traditions.
