Question

Which of the following is strictly followed ?

• A. Custom
• B. Folkways
• C. Mores
• D. Festival

Hint:

Remember the difference in severity: Folkways are about what is polite, while Mores are about what is right and wrong. Breaking a folkway makes you odd; breaking a more makes you immoral.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify which type of social norm is enforced with the greatest severity. Social norms are unwritten rules about how to behave, and they vary in their importance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Folkways are norms for routine or casual interaction. Violating them is considered strange or rude, but not immoral (e.g., eating with the wrong utensil).
- Mores (pronounced 'mor-ays') are norms that are widely observed and have great moral significance. They are seen as essential to the well-being of the group. Violation of mores (e.g., theft, adultery) evokes strong social disapproval and can lead to severe sanctions.
- Customs are long-established norms or traditions. The term is broader than mores.
Of the informal norms listed, mores are the most strictly followed because they are tied to a society's core values and moral principles.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Mores are the most strictly followed type of informal social norm.