What are folkways in the context of societal behaviors?

Folkways are a type of social norm that dictate everyday customs and practices within a culture. They involve informal guidelines for behavior rather than formal laws, making them less compulsive than mores, which are more deeply ingrained social norms with significant moral implications. Violating folkways may lead to mild disapproval or social ridicule, but these actions typically do not provoke serious consequences.

For instance, while it may be frowned upon to wear casual attire to a formal wedding, the repercussions would be less severe than violating a more serious social norm, such as engaging in theft or violence. This subtlety makes folkways an essential part of understanding social behavior and cultural practices, as they shape everyday interactions without the weight of legal enforcement or strong societal penalties.