moeurs

Mœurs (French, pronounced [mœʁ]) is a term used in anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to refer to the prevailing moral attitudes, social norms, and customary practices of a society. The word translates roughly as "morals" or "manners" and encompasses both informal guidelines about acceptable behavior and codified traditions that govern conduct, etiquette, and ritual. Etymology: from Old French mœurs, from Latin mores, plural of mos "habit, custom." In English-language scholarship, the term "mores" is used to refer to a set of social norms that are more stringent than general customs and are backed by social sanctions.

Mœurs differ from formal law in that they are largely enforced through social pressure, reputation, and collective judgment rather than through legal rules. They can be binding within a community and may change over time through shifts in values, exposure to other cultures, or political reform. Variants of mores exist across cultures, social classes, religious groups, and historical periods, leading to diversity in what is considered proper behavior, acceptable attire, or appropriate speech.

Historically, the concept has been central to discussions of French society, court etiquette, and the broader study of civilization. In literature and philosophy, "mœurs" is used to describe the moral climate or the "manners" of a given era, sometimes highlighting tensions between individual rights and communal expectations. In English-language contexts, "mores" or "the mores" are often invoked when analyzing the norms that shape social life but are not formal laws.