Folkways (sociology)

Folkways are the patterns of conventional behavior in a society, norms that apply to everyday matters. They are the conventions and habits learned from childhood. They are one of two types of norms, the other being Mores, which are much more strictly enforced than folkways. Generally conformity to folkways is ensured by gentle social pressure and imitation. Breaking or questioning a folkway does not cause severe punishment, but may cause the person to be laughed at, frowned upon, or scolded. In western culture, folkways incude wearing gender-appropriate clothing, respecting the privacy of strangers, and eating food with the proper utensil.

Bibliography

* Sumner, William Graham; 1907 Folkways, ISBN 078128970XFree version available at: http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC02663013&id=UoBRbnn55esC&pg=PP28&lpg=PP28&dq=Folkways+William+Graham+Sumner+Sumner

See also

* Mores