Why Some Folkways Should Be Broken

Culture is an intricate tapestry woven from the threads of norms, mores, and folkways. As defined by Henslin (2017), culture encompasses the language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that define a group, passed down from one generation to another. Cultures can vastly differ, often leading to stark contrasts in beliefs, values, and social expectations. What is acceptable behavior in one society may be considered taboo in another. Norms represent the expected ways of acting within a particular culture, serving as guidelines for appropriate behavior. Mores, on the other hand, are norms that are strictly enforced because they are deemed essential to the core values of a society (Henslin, 2017). Lastly, folkways are the less rigid norms that govern everyday behavior but are not strictly enforced (Henslin, 2017). In this essay, I will explore the concept of folkways and argue why some of them should be broken.

Understanding the significance of folkways is crucial in recognizing how they shape our daily interactions. Folkways can be categorized into three main types: manners, customs, and etiquette. Below is a list of common folkways that individuals often encounter:

• Chewing gum quietly in public places
• Holding the door open for others
• Using polite language and greetings
• Respecting personal space
• Eating with utensils rather than hands

Although these folkways may seem trivial, they play a significant role in maintaining social harmony. However, breaking certain folkways can lead to a deeper understanding of social dynamics and the arbitrary nature of these norms. In this essay, I will examine three folkways that I deliberately chose to break: chewing gum obnoxiously, not holding the door open for someone, and drinking directly from a milk carton. Each incident provided insights into societal expectations and the reactions they provoke.

Breaking the Norm: Chewing Gum Obnoxiously

The first folkway I chose to break was chewing gum obnoxiously. This behavior is often frowned upon as it disrupts the social norm of quiet chewing. My first test subject was a young man who immediately reacted by asking me to stop. His response was direct and indicative of how people generally feel about this behavior. In contrast, the second person I tested, a shy woman, simply raised her eyebrows and laughed it off, demonstrating a more tolerant attitude towards the breach of this norm. The third individual was an elderly woman who glared at me, conveying disapproval without uttering a word. This range of reactions highlights how different individuals perceive and respond to the same folkway violation.

Testing the Waters: Not Holding the Door Open

The second folkway I deliberately violated was not holding the door open for others. This act typically symbolizes a basic level of courtesy. My first test subject was a teenage girl who sarcastically thanked me when I let the door close behind me, indicating her awareness of the social expectation. The second individual, a man in his thirties, seemed indifferent to my actions, suggesting that not everyone adheres strictly to this folkway. However, the final subject, an older gentleman, expressed surprise and disapproval, muttering about “kids” to his companion. This incident reinforced the idea that certain folkways, particularly those involving respect, are more pronounced among different age groups.

Challenging Respect: Drinking from the Milk Carton

The final folkway I chose to break involved drinking directly from a milk carton. This act is often seen as disrespectful, particularly in communal living situations. I decided to conduct this experiment with my own gallon of milk to avoid hygiene concerns. The first person who witnessed my actions, a young woman, expressed her disgust and labeled it disrespectful, even after I clarified that it was my milk. The second individual, another teenage girl, was equally appalled, indicating that the social stigma surrounding this act is strong. Finally, the kitchen staff member reacted with anger, demanding that I replace the gallon and never repeat the act. These reactions illustrate how breaking this folkway not only challenges social norms but also elicits strong emotional responses from others.

Conclusion: The Case for Breaking Folkways

Through these experiments, I learned that while folkways serve a purpose in maintaining social order, they can also be arbitrary and overly restrictive. By breaking certain folkways, individuals can challenge societal expectations and provoke discussions about the relevance and importance of these norms. This exploration has led me to understand that conformity is often driven by the desire to fit in and avoid social backlash. Yet, questioning and breaking folkways can foster greater awareness of cultural norms and their underlying significance. As society evolves, it is essential to reconsider which folkways are worth preserving and which can be challenged for the sake of progress.

References:

Henslin, J. M. (2017). Sociology. Pearson.