Norms are the unwritten rules that govern acceptable behavior in society. They help maintain social order and vary in intensity and consequence — from minor customs to serious legal infractions.
For the MCAT, it’s critical to know how norms are categorized, especially into folkways, mores, taboos, and laws.
📚 Definition: Folkways
Folkways are informal norms or customs that are followed out of tradition, habit, or etiquette — not because they are morally significant.
These are learned implicitly as we grow up, usually by observing others or through cultural immersion.
They do not carry harsh consequences when broken — but they can signal social awkwardness.
🍽 Examples of Folkways
| Setting | Folkway Behavior |
|---|---|
| Dining | Saying “please” and “thank you” |
| Public Transit | Standing in line or offering a seat |
| School | Raising your hand before speaking |
| Workplace | Saying “good morning” to coworkers |
🚫 Folkways vs. Other Norm Types
| Norm Type | Definition | Example | MCAT Clue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folkways | Informal behaviors learned through custom | Not talking during a movie | Social expectations, no punishment |
| Mores | Norms tied to morals; more serious | Cheating on a partner | Strong disapproval if violated |
| Laws | Formally codified rules | Theft, assault | Legal consequences |
| Taboos | Norms so sacred they cause disgust if broken | Incest, cannibalism | Cultural universals with extreme reaction |
🧪 Why This Matters on the MCAT
Folkways may appear in:
Passage questions describing cultural behaviors
Psych/Soc scenarios on socialization or norms
Comparisons of moral, legal, and informal rule structures
✅ Tip: If the behavior is expected, but not morally wrong — it’s probably a folkway.
💬 KOTC Mnemonic
Folkways are Friendly habits.
Think: “You won’t get arrested for forgetting them, but people might stare.”
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