The document discusses the evolving definition of "social mores" and its multifaceted meaning in contemporary American society. It explains that social mores now encompass more than just fundamental social norms, and include the expression of mental health values, manifestation of moral codes and ideologies, social customs, norms of conduct and etiquette, and standards of healthy lifestyle. Social mores bind communities to standards of optimal wellness and longevity, though these standards may differ between social groups. The document provides examples of social mores around public expression, social conduct, modest clothing, and clean air.

1. Liberal Arts and Humanities
““Social Mores”Social Mores”
Sociology 101Sociology 101
..as..as AmericanAmerican
Social ConventionsSocial Conventions

2. Liberal Arts and Humanities
……a ‘Multifaceted’ Meaninga ‘Multifaceted’ Meaning
The definition of ‘Social Mores” has changed and evolved
throughout the time span and place of human civilization
– In America the ‘term’ has come to now have a
multifaceted meaning – so, now ‘social mores’ goes
way beyond only the fundaments and includes the:
• ..expression of good ‘mental health values…
• ..public manifestation of moral codes, existential and/or
spiritual ideologies..
• …social customs and norms, e.g., social conduct and
manners, social etiquette, and social standards of
behaviors.
• It includes matters of health habits comprising a ‘healthy
lifestyle’ – all of which are binding for optimal wellness
and longevity yet differ according to individual group.

3. Liberal Arts and Humanities
Good Mental Health ValuesGood Mental Health Values
Expressed Openly…Expressed Openly…
• Whether people are out and about a community,
or around the neighborhood, or in the home…
• …generally people are expected to / and free to
‘express’ their own personal views with a sense
of psychological wellbeing in order to grow and
thrive socially. It is just not competitive at all.
• …particularly mature people are obligated to
assert in their precise ‘opinion’ on the matters of
relevant concern - especially with a sensibility in
terms of psychological health and wellness.

4. Liberal Arts and Humanities
Manifestation of IntrinsicManifestation of Intrinsic
Positive Moral Codes…Positive Moral Codes…
• – e.g., positive existential/spiritual ideologies, –
• Whether its in the work place, at home, in a
school or public building – social mores are
manisfested as common place by expression of
‘intrinsic positive moral values.’
• Social mores indeed includes the manifestation
of intrinsically positive moral codes or spiritual
ideologies as a duty to the community - this
includes ‘charities, clubs, organizations,
foundations, public meetings, and of course it is
the responsibility of formal media as well.

5. Liberal Arts and Humanities
Extrinsically Positive SocialExtrinsically Positive Social
CustomsCustoms andand Norms:Norms:
• – Whether it is a ‘Town Hall’ Meeting or
Religious meeting - the standard of ‘Social
mores’ in the community has to do with:
– Proper social conduct and manners,
– Polite meaningful social etiquette, and…
– Positive social standards of behaviors
• ‘Social mores’ includes the exercise of
extrinsically positive social customs and
norms whatever the community.

6. Liberal Arts and Humanities
Living a LifeLiving a Life andand LifestyleLifestyle
of Social Mores:of Social Mores:
• Contemporary ‘social mores’ certainly now
concerns general health values that are
expressed in healthy living / in a community.
– Specific health habits in a family or neighborhood that
comprises a ‘healthy lifestyle.’
– Acceptable wellness norms for a ‘healthy lifestyle’ and
for longevity (a long life span).
• A ‘social mores’ is actually a binding promise for-
– true optimal wellness and longevity yet,..
• …yet, these ‘social mores’ differ according to an
individual family within a variety of groups.

7. Liberal Arts and Humanities
Some Objectives/ExamplesSome Objectives/Examples
of ‘Social Mores’:of ‘Social Mores’:
Social etiquette (U.S.A.)
• Clean air, sobriety, and somberness
towards ‘equallyoked’ couples in public
without secular harassment.
Social decorum –
• Rather modest, neat, and clean clothing
for in public by either sex of colors that
promote an emotional tone of wellbeing.

8. Liberal Arts and Humanities
QuizQuiz
• How has the term ‘social mores’ become more
‘multifaceted’ for social scientists to describe
‘traits’ in a contemporary society?
• What are the implications of studying social
populations with ‘multiple points of view’ while
abiding in strict social scientific ‘objectivity’?
Worth: 35 points. One page. Name in upper corner. Turn in next class.

9. Liberal Arts and Humanities
““Social Mores”Social Mores”
Sociology 101Sociology 101
AmericanAmerican
Social ConventionsSocial Conventions

10. Liberal Arts and Humanities
““Social Mores”Social Mores”
Sociology 101Sociology 101
AmericanAmerican
Social ConventionsSocial Conventions