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Cover of Folkways: A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals

Folkways: A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals

Written by William Graham Sumner

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Manners and customs

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About this book

"Folkways" by William Graham Sumner is a sociological treatise written in the early 20th century. The work explores the concept of "folkways," which Sumner defines as the customary behaviors, practices, and ethics that govern social conduct within a group or society. It aims to illuminate how these societal norms evolve unconsciously over time and how they shape human interactions and institutions. The opening of "Folkways" introduces the foundational ideas that underlie the author's exploration of societal customs and morals. Sumner begins by explaining his intent to define and analyze "folkways," emphasizing their role as a social force developed unconsciously through repetitive actions and group interactions aimed at satisfying common human needs. He underscores that folkways, while initially stemming from individual impulses, ultimately attain societal authority and coherence, guiding behavior in ways that are often taken for granted. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper examination of how these practices affect societal welfare and the internal dynamics of groups throughout history.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Folkways: A Study of the Sociological Importance of Usages, Manners, Customs, Mores, and Morals, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 15 hours
  • advanced
  • academic
  • analytical
  • didactic

William Graham Sumner's "Folkways" is a seminal sociological treatise that introduces and meticulously defines the concepts of 'folkways' and 'mores.' Sumner posits that folkways are the unconscious, customary behaviors and practices that arise organically within societies to satisfy human needs, evolving into ingrained habits and traditions. He argues that when these folkways become imbued with a sense of rightness and social welfare, they transform into 'mores,' which carry moral authority and are enforced through social sanctions. The book extensively illustrates how these unwritten rules govern all aspects of social life, from daily interactions to major institutions, shaping human behavior and societal structures without conscious design. It ultimately presents a foundational argument for cultural relativism and the powerful, often unseen, forces of social conditioning.

“The folkways are the 'right' ways to satisfy all interests, because they are the traditional ways, and because they are always subject to the trial and error of generations.”

Key themes

The Power of Custom and Tradition
This is the foundational theme, exploring how deeply ingrained customary behaviors (folkways) and morally sanctioned traditions (mores) govern virtually all aspects of human life. Sumner argues that these customs are more powerful than laws or rational thought in shaping individual and collective conduct, often operating unconsciously.
Unconscious Development of Social Norms
Sumner posits that folkways and mores are not products of rational design or deliberate planning but evolve organically and unconsciously over long periods as societies adapt to their environments and needs. They are the result of countless small, repeated actions and adjustments.
Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism
Sumner introduces 'ethnocentrism' as the tendency for groups to view their own folkways and mores as superior and to judge other cultures by their own standards. While acknowledging this universal human tendency, the book's extensive comparative examples implicitly lay groundwork for cultural relativism by demonstrating the vast diversity and internal consistency of different societies' customs.

Worth discussing

How does Sumner's distinction between 'folkways' and 'mores' help us understand contemporary social norms and their enforcement?

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