What type of norms are often based on tradition and customs?

Study for the University of Toronto SOC100H1 Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The focus here is on folkways, which are indeed norms grounded in tradition and customs. Folkways refer to the informal rules and expectations that govern everyday behavior in a society. They are not strictly enforced and evaluate how people typically behave in social situations. For example, the custom of saying “please” and “thank you,” or dressing appropriately for different occasions, reflects the cultural practices and conventions that are taken for granted within a society.

Folkways differ from taboos, which are strong prohibitions against certain actions that are deemed sacred or unacceptable, and from mores, which are norms that are more serious and tied to a society's moral values. Values represent broad concepts or beliefs about what is considered important or desirable in a culture, but they do not function as specific behavioral guidelines. The distinction of folkways lies in their societal acceptance based on longstanding customs, making them a foundational aspect of social interaction and cultural continuity.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy