Chapter 3.3 Norms & Values
Norms: What are they and why are they important? Norms define appropriate behavior Cultural norms: ways of behaving in specific situations How does breaking norms effect individuals?
Folkways Norms without any moral significance Breaking them does not usually lead to severe consequences Examples: picking your nose in public, staring, congratulating teammates after a good play
Mores Norms of right and wrong Mores have moral significance Conforming to mores is a social requirement Examples: being respectful of member of the clergy, teasing the disabled, not receiving welfare if you are able to work
Taboos Norms which forbid behavior Most severe norm; violation means severe social punishment Examples: incest, some religions have food taboos, Amish customs
Laws Norms which are enforced by officials Laws are deliberately created, not evolved Like folkways and mores different violations warrant different punishments
Sanctions Two types: formal informal Formal: rewards or punishments imposed by a special authority Informal: rewards or punishments imposed by the group
Values Ideas what is good for society – shared by the group Important because they can provide the foundation for norms Examples: hard work, patriotism, democracy, equality