Final answer:
Folkways are societal norms regarding everyday behavior and lack moral significance, leading to minimal backlash when not followed, unlike mores, which are morally significant and can have serious consequences when violated.
Step-by-step explanation:
Norms are the unwritten rules of society that guide our behavior. Within these, there are two main types: mores and folkways. Mores are norms that carry moral significance and are closely linked to the moral codes of a society. They are considered very important for the well-being of society, and their violation can lead to severe sanctions, both formal and informal. Examples include laws against serious crimes such as murder, which are enshrined in legal systems and carry penalties like imprisonment or worse. Public sentiment also protects mores, and violators may face social ostracism.
On the other hand, folkways are society's norms that dictate routine or casual interactions. Folkways lack moral underpinning and do not invoke a significant punishment when breached. They guide day-to-day practices and include cultural expressions like shaking hands or choosing appropriate attire for an event. Because folkways have little moral significance, there is minimal backlash for those who abandon or neglect the norm. While people may avoid someone who doesn't follow these norms, they are not generally seen as immoral. For instance, if someone does not hold the door open for another, it may be considered rude, but it does not carry the same weight as a violation of a more.