Surname 2
On the other hand, mores describe stringent norms that govern ethical and moral conduct.
Mores are usually based on how a society differentiates right from wrong. In contrast to
Folkways, mores have a moral significance. Societies often feel strongly about them such that
the violation of mores normally results in condemnation. Examples of mores include religious
doctrines. For example, an individual attending a church session while unclothed is most likely
to offend the congregation and attract condemnation and rejection.
Other mores held by the society are that only married couples should stay together.
Parents who believe in this more will reject the notion of their unmarried children staying with
their couples (Martin 491). They may consider such actions as a violation of societal moral
guidelines. A taboo refers to a cultural norm held so strongly by the society. The violation of a
taboo attracts tremendous abhorrence and loathing. In most cases, those who violate taboos are
considered as unworthy of living the society. For example, Muslims consider eating pork a taboo
because Islam considers pigs as unclean. In addition, most societies consider cannibalism and
incest as taboos. The society cannot tolerate any individual practicing such behaviors.
While cultural norms typify different cultural groups, there are norms that may run
counter to the beliefs and practices of a given culture or society. These may be witnessed within
isolated subgroups of that society. Even though cultural norms do not constitute part of formal
laws within the society, they still function to foster social control. The enforcement of cultural
norms can be formal, for instance through sanctions, or informal through using body language
and other non-verbal communications prompts. Since individuals usually depend on the group to
obtain psychological or physical resources, the group may give out or hold back resources
according to a member’s conformity to a set of norms. This enables the group to control the
behavior of members through incentive and operant conditioning.
