What are mores in a social context?

Mores refer to the essential and often mandatory behaviors that society expects from its members. These are not just casual preferences but are deeply embedded norms that uphold the moral framework of a community. When mores are violated, society tends to react strongly, often with disapproval or formal consequences, emphasizing their role in maintaining social order and integrity.

For instance, actions such as theft or infidelity typically breach societal mores, eliciting widespread condemnation or social sanctions. This reflects the crucial aspect of mores as standards that are tied to moral values, indicating that they are integral to the collective conscience of a community, requiring a reaction when disrespected.

In contrast, cultural expressions of creativity are significant but do not carry the same weight as mores in terms of societal expectation and enforcement. Similarly, strictly enforced social norms or voluntary social agreements highlight different aspects of social behavior and structure but do not encapsulate the moral imperative and societal backlash that comes with violating mores.