Explicit Memory

Definition

Folkways are social conventions or customary ways of behaving that are considered appropriate in a particular society or culture. Unlike laws, folkways are not formally enforced but are widely followed because they help maintain social order and harmony. They shape how people interact with one another on a daily basis and reflect shared values and expectations within a group.

Example

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop where it’s customary to queue up rather than push past others. While there’s no law requiring you to do so, most people follow this unwritten rule because they expect others to behave the same way. If someone cuts in front of you without waiting their turn, you might feel annoyed or confused. This is an example of a folkway—norms that aren’t legally enforced but are socially expected and help make interactions smoother.

Why it Matters

Folkways matter because they contribute to social cohesion by creating shared expectations about how people should behave. They help individuals navigate everyday situations without conflict, making life more predictable and orderly. Folkways also reflect the values of a culture, giving insights into what is considered normal or acceptable behavior. By understanding folkways, we can better adapt to different cultural contexts and avoid misunderstandings that might arise from breaking these unwritten rules.

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See Also

• social norms
• Mores
• social cohesion
• control theory
• Deviance