Nonmaterial Culture

Norms

Norms are established rules and expectations for a society. Examples of norms in American culture are as follows:

• Folkways
• Mores
• Taboos

Nonmaterial Culture

Folkways

Folkways are norms that come from situations and casual interactions. They are often learned from interactions with others, typically family and friends. Some examples of folkways are as follows:

• Recognizing someone’s personal space and not standing too close
• Leaving an open seat between you and a stranger in a cinema
• Tipping your wait staff in a restaurant

Nonmaterial Culture

Mores

Mores are norms that relate to ethical and moral behavior. Like folkways, they are learned from interactions with others, but they usually regulate behavior through established values. Examples of mores are as follows:

• Attitudes toward discrimination
• Awareness of racism
• Views on sexism
• Prohibitions on premarital sex

Nonmaterial Culture

Taboos

Taboos are a strongly negative norm. Violation of taboos can result in expulsion from a culture or group. Examples are as follows:

• Eating food that is deemed unclean by a religious authority
• Cannibalism
• Incest

Material Culture

High Culture

High culture refers to items or behaviors that a culture believes to be aesthetically pleasing. Classical forms of art, literature, and music are examples of high culture. Some thoughts on high culture is that it is associated with money, education, and a higher social status.

Material Culture

Popular Culture

Popular culture, often called pop culture, is the art, music, and literature of the middle and low classes. Pop culture is often used when referring to popular entertainment and forms of dress.