Folkway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฅ
folkway
[หfoสkweษช ]
Definition
cultural practices
Folkways are the traditional behaviors or customs of a particular group or society. They are informal rules that govern everyday behavior and actions, often passed down through generations. While violating a folkway may result in social sanctions, it typically does not carry severe consequences.
Synonyms
convention, custom, tradition.
Examples of usage
- Marrying within the same cultural group is a common folkway.
- Wearing certain attire during festivals reflects local folkways.
- Greeting strangers with a handshake is a folkway in many cultures.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Studies
- Folkways are the everyday norms that guide social interactions, differing widely between cultures.
- They include practices such as greetings, dining etiquette, and festivals that may not have legal ramifications but are essential to social cohesion.
Anthropology
- In anthropology, folkways are considered less formal than laws, which are enforced through legal systems.
- They contribute significantly to group identity, often reflecting the shared history and values of a community.
Sociology
- Sociologists study how changes in folkways can lead to shifts in societal behavior and interactions, especially in response to modernization.
- Understanding folkways helps in analyzing how traditions can evolve or diminish over generations.
Psychology
- Folkways can influence behavior subconsciously, leading individuals to conform to group norms even without direct pressure.
- The way people internalize these norms can affect their self-identity and perceptions of right and wrong.
Literature
- Folkways often serve as themes in literature, where authors explore the tension between traditional practices and modern influences.
- Folklore and stories commonly reflect the folkways of a culture, conveying morals and community values through narratives.
Origin of 'folkway'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'folk,' meaning people, and 'way,' indicating a manner of doing things, showing a characteristic lifestyle.
- It became popular in the early 20th century when social scientists aimed to understand the rituals and customs of different cultures.
The term 'folkway' was first coined by sociologist William Graham Sumner in the late 19th century. It derives from the combination of 'folk,' meaning a group of people, and 'way,' referring to a manner or style of doing something. Sumner introduced the distinction between folkways and moresโwhere folkways pertain to everyday customs and practices that govern behavior with mild social consequences, mores are more serious norms that carry moral significance and stricter penalties when violated. The concept highlights the importance of social norms in maintaining societal cohesion and identity. Folkways are deeply embedded in the culture of a community and inform how individuals interact with each other within their social context.