Social Customs and Practices in Sociological Perspective
In the world of human behaviour, there exists a vast array of customs and norms that guide our everyday lives. These informal rules, known as folkways, are the focus of this article.
First coined by sociologist William Graham Sumner in his 1906 book "Folkways: A Study of Mores, Manners, Customs, and Morals", folkways are the small details of our daily lives, from how we dress, eat, greet others, to the use of utensils at the dinner table.
One such example of a folkway is the act of giving and receiving gifts. In many cultures, gifts are given to mark important occasions such as births, weddings, and holidays. In Anglophonic cultures, it is generally expected that people open a gift upon receiving it and offer a positive affirmation to the giver. Conversely, in many Arab cultures, opening a gift as it is received would be considered rude.
Another folkway concerns hygiene. Covering one's mouth when coughing or sneezing is a way to be polite and prevent the spread of germs. In some cultures, it is customary to say "bless you" as a polite gesture when witnessing a sneeze. Spitting on the sidewalk is generally seen as impolite and unsanitary. In fact, this folkway concerning spitting has become a law in Singapore, as per a law established in 1987 (Austin, 1987).
Folkways are not static and can change over time. The process by which folkways are adopted by a new group of people is called assimilation. On the other hand, persistence is the process by which folkways resist change and remain unchanged over time. Secularization is the process by which folkways become less important and lose their hold over people's behavior.
The spread of folkways from one group to another is known as diffusion. This can occur through various means, such as migration, trade, or cultural exchange. An example of this is the adoption of the folkway of drinking alcoholic beverages during the evening in Anglophonic cultures, which may have originated from other parts of the world.
It's important to note that violating folkways can result in sanctions from others, which can be either positive or negative. Positive sanctions reward people for conforming to a folkway, while negative sanctions punish people for violating a folkway.
In conclusion, folkways play a significant role in shaping our daily lives and interactions. Understanding these customs and norms can help us navigate the complexities of different cultures and societies.
Reference: - Sumner, W. G. (1906). Folkways: A Study of Mores, Manners, Customs, and Morals. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. - Austin, W. T. (1987). Crime and custom in an orderly society: The Singapore prototype. Criminology, 25 (2), 279-294.
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