Values and Norms:

Terms to Know: Beliefs- conceptions that people accept as true concerning how the world operates and the place of the individual in relationship to others Folkways-norms that apply to the mundane aspects or details of daily life Values- general shared conceptions of what is good, right, desirable, or important Norms- written and unwritten rules that specify behaviors appropriate and inappropriate to a particular social situation

Values: Definition: shared beliefs about what is good or bad/ Right or Wrong. Values help determine the character of a society and the kind of culture they have A culture that values war and power will be much different than one that values peace and cooperation

10 Key Values in American Culture Equal opportunity and Rugged Individualism Achievement and Success Material comfort Work Time Science Technology Democracy Relationships- Vertical and Horizontal Group Superiority

Norms Norms are created to enforce cultural values Definition: shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations Norms are expectations for behavior

Norms The establishment of norms does not mean everyone will follow them Some groups are not allowed to follow them while other have the power not to supersede them

Kinds of Norms Folkways- the etiquette and customs of a people that are not of critical importance to the society Examples: Be nice to elderly, chew with your mouth closed, don’t park in no parking zones Mores- rules of behavior that are very important since violation would endanger the basic stability of society Examples: Do not kill, steal, cheat on exams, set fire to your neighbors house… Laws- the more complex a society becomes the more its folkways and mores are turned into laws