what are mores in sociology

In sociology, mores are socially approved norms or standards of moral and ethical behavior. They are not social standards or folkways, and the repercussions for breaking mores can be severe, such as legal sanctions or even death. Mores change depending on the culture, group, or society, and are the basis of some laws. Almost exclusively found in the plural form, the singular form is mos. Mores are often seen as taboos, and the strongest mores are referred to as taboos/03%3A_Culture/3.02%3A_The_Symbolic_Nature_of_Culture/3.2J%3A_Folkways_and_Mores). Examples of mores include lying, stealing, gossiping, bullying, and trespassing. Mores are distinguished from folkways, which are informal rules and norms that, while not offensive to violate, are expected to be followed/03%3A_Culture/3.02%3A_The_Symbolic_Nature_of_Culture/3.2J%3A_Folkways_and_Mores). When violated, mores result in severe punishments and social sanctions upon the individuals, such as social and religious exclusions/03%3A_Culture/3.02%3A_The_Symbolic_Nature_of_Culture/3.2J%3A_Folkways_and_Mores). Mores are the regulator of social life while norms are expectations that govern the behavior of individuals in a community.