Question

sociology: 3.3 norms and values

1. according to sociologists, what are the components of culture?
2. what are norms?
3. this early sociologist wrote about norms? what did he conclude and why?
4. according to the text, norms are so ingrained they guide behavior without our awareness and we may not be consciously aware of a norm until it is broken. provide the example from the book.
5. according to sumner, what are the 3 basic types of norms?
6. what is a folkway? provide some examples of folkways in the united states.
7. how do most americans show disapproval towards people who do not follow folkways? do we consider these people to be wicked or immoral?
8. will some violations of folkways get more social reaction than others? explain
9. what are mores? why are they vital to the well-being of society?
10. what is a taboo? which taboo is generally present in all societies?

Explanation:

1. Identifies core culture elements per sociology.
2. Defines norms as social behavioral guidelines.
3. Focuses on Émile Durkheim's norm conclusions.
4. Uses a common textbook example of broken norms.
5. Lists Sumner's three norm categories.
6. Defines folkways and gives U.S.-specific examples.
7. Covers folkway disapproval and moral judgments.
8. Explains variable social reaction to folkway violations.
9. Defines mores and their societal function.
10. Defines taboos and a universal taboo example.

Answer:

1. The main components of culture (per sociologists) are norms, values, beliefs, language, symbols, and material culture.
2. Norms are unwritten or written rules and expectations that guide acceptable social behavior within a group or society.
3. The early sociologist is Émile Durkheim. He concluded that norms are essential for social order because they create shared expectations, which prevent anomie (normlessness) and maintain social cohesion.
4. A common textbook example is standing too close to a stranger in an elevator: most people unconsciously follow the norm of maintaining personal space, and only notice the norm when someone violates it by standing too close, causing discomfort.
5. According to William Graham Sumner, the three basic types of norms are folkways, mores, and taboos.
6. Folkways are informal, everyday norms that guide routine social behavior without severe consequences for violation. Examples in the U.S. include saying "please" and "thank you," waiting in a line, and covering your mouth when coughing.
7. Most Americans show disapproval of folkway violations through subtle cues like eye-rolling, staring, or quiet sighs. These people are not considered wicked or immoral—only rude or socially unaware.
8. Yes, some violations of folkways get more social reaction than others. For example, wearing pajamas to a formal wedding (a violation of context-specific folkways) will draw stronger negative attention than forgetting to say "bless you" after someone sneezes, as the former violates a more contextually significant unwritten rule.
9. Mores are strict, morally significant norms that govern behaviors essential to a society's core values. They are vital to societal well-being because they protect the group's safety, stability, and shared moral framework; violations (like theft or murder) result in harsh punishment and widespread social condemnation.
10. A taboo is a norm so strongly ingrained that violating it triggers extreme disgust, condemnation, and often severe punishment. Incest is a taboo that is generally present in all societies, as it is widely seen as a threat to family and social structure.