What is the difference between mores and customs?

Definitions

mores

- Referring to the unwritten rules and values that govern a society's behavior.

- Describing the moral standards and social norms that are widely accepted and enforced by a community.

- Talking about the fundamental beliefs and practices that shape a culture's identity and traditions.

customs

- Referring to the traditional practices and behaviors that are passed down from generation to generation.

- Describing the cultural rituals and ceremonies that mark important events and occasions.

- Talking about the habitual actions and routines that are common in a particular society or group.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both mores and customs are related to cultural practices and beliefs.
• 2. Both are shaped by the values and traditions of a society.
• 3. Both are learned and passed down through generations.
• 4. Both can be enforced by social pressure or legal consequences.
• 5. Both contribute to a culture's identity and sense of community.

What is the difference?

• 1. Scope: Mores refer to the broader moral and ethical standards of a society, while customs are more specific and relate to particular practices and behaviors.
• 2. Enforcement: Mores are often enforced through social pressure and informal means, while customs may be enforced through formal laws and regulations.
• 3. Flexibility: Customs can change over time and adapt to new circumstances, while mores tend to be more resistant to change and remain stable over time.
• 4. Connotation: Mores have a more serious and weighty connotation, while customs may be seen as more lighthearted or festive.

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Remember this!

Mores and customs are both related to cultural practices and beliefs, but they differ in scope, enforcement, flexibility, origin, and connotation. Mores refer to the broader moral and ethical standards of a society, while customs are more specific and relate to particular practices and behaviors. Mores tend to be more resistant to change and are often enforced through social pressure, while customs can adapt to new circumstances and may be enforced through formal laws and regulations.