folkways

Folkways are social norms that guide everyday behavior in a society. The term was introduced by American sociologist William Graham Sumner in the early 20th century to distinguish casual conventions from more serious norms. Folkways regulate routine actions and practices, such as dress codes, greetings, table manners, punctuality, and personal space. They arise from socialization and shared cultural expectations and are maintained through informal social sanctions rather than formal legal enforcement.

Key features include that they are not morally binding; violations are usually met with mild social disapproval or ridicule rather than legal penalties. They are flexible and subject to change as cultures evolve, and they can vary widely between communities and over time; what is considered polite in one culture may be rude in another.

Relation to other norms: folkways differ from mores, which are more serious norms tied to moral conduct and usually carry stronger sanctions, and from laws, which are formal prohibitions and obligations enforced by the state. Some scholars also distinguish customs and habits as related but distinct phenomena; folkways are more about conventional behavior, while mores concern core values.

Function: they help coordinate behavior and facilitate social interaction, contribute to group identity, and ease social life by providing predictable patterns. Changes in technology, increasing cultural contact, or shifting values can erode or transform folkways, leading to new norms.

Examples include tipping in restaurants in the United States, queuing in the United Kingdom, and dress codes or greetings. Studying folkways aids understanding of cultural diversity, social cohesion, and how societies navigate everyday life.