moreschichtige

Moreschichtige is a term used in some sociological and anthropological writings to describe social layers or strata that are organized around commonly shared moral norms and codes of conduct (mores). The word combines Mores, a loanword referring to social norms and customs, with Schicht, meaning layer or stratum, and the suffix -ig to form an adjective.

Usage and meaning

In moreschichtige contexts, social differentiation is driven less by material resources or formal power alone and more by the degree to which individuals and groups conform to a prevailing moral order. Higher strata are characterized by a strong consensus on normative expectations, sanctions, and reputational norms, while lower strata may exhibit more contested or flexible mores. The concept helps describe societies or subgroups where moral consensus plays a central role in shaping behavior, social roles, and boundary maintenance.

Examples

Traditional rural communities with rigid codes of honor, insular religious groups with strict behavioural rules, and professional guilds that enforce formal moral codes can be discussed as moreschichtige to varying extents. The term is not a standard sociological category and is used to emphasize normative rather than purely economic or political determinants of stratification.

Relation to other concepts

Moreschichtige relates to Sozialstratifikation (social stratification), normative culture, and moral economy. It complements analyses that focus on law, economy, or politics by highlighting how collective moral expectations structure social order.

Limitations

The concept is relatively uncommon and can be subjective, since assessments of what constitutes a mores and the level of conformity are interpretive. It is best used descriptively and cautiously, without universal claims about all groups labeled as moreschichtige.