Basic Concepts in Sociology — Sociology STD 11 Commerce / Arts — Question

Folkways : The term was first used by William Sumner. According to him, folkways are the recognized ways of behaving and acting in society. Example, eating using one’s fingers, eating with chopsticks, eating with fork and spoon; different ways of wearing a sari.

Mores : Mores are more rigid than folkways. They are instruments of social control and deals with higher values of people. Example, sexual relations before marriage are not permitted.

Law : Law is an important and essential element of society.
They are deliberately formulated rules of behaviour. It is universal in nature and common for all to follow. There are two types of law- Customary Law and Enacted Law.

1. Customary law – It is not in a written form but orally transmitted. It is followed in tribal as well as in rural society.
2. Enacted law – This law is in a written form. It is important as well as obligatory in a modern, complex and dynamic society. For example, The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; The Domestic Violence Act, 2005.