Mores, << MAWR ayz, >> are customs that reflect a society’s ideas about right and wrong. Examples of mores include the prohibitions in many societies against murder, cannibalism, and incest (sexual relations between closely related persons). People who violate the mores of their society face disapproval and punishment. The term mores comes from a Latin word that means customs.
Most people believe the well-being of their society depends on the enforcement of its mores. Many societies have enacted laws that reflect their own mores (see Law (The development of law) ). Mores are a type of folkway, but not all folkways are considered as important as mores to the society’s welfare. Examples of less strongly held folkways include wedding and funeral traditions and table manners. The violation of such folkways produces only a mild reaction, such as surprise or scorn.
The term mores was introduced in English by William Graham Sumner, an American sociologist, in his book Folkways (1906). Sumner pointed out that mores vary from one society to another. In most cases, each society believes that its own mores are the most natural and desirable ones. Sumner called this belief ethnocentrism.
Most mores remain unchanged from generation to generation, but some change over a period of time. For example, many people in the United States once believed in the segregation of whites and blacks. Today, however, many people think all individuals should have equal access to housing, education, jobs, and public facilities.
See also Custom ; Sumner, William Graham .
