Which term refers to abstract ideas about what is good, right, and desirable in a society?

• A. Norms
• B. Values
• C. Mores
• D. Folkways

Answer: (B)

Values are the broad, abstract ideas about what a culture considers important—what is good, right, or desirable. They act as guiding principles that shape our judgments, goals, and the kinds of actions a society promotes. For example, a society that places a high value on freedom tends to reward individual rights and openness, while one that prioritizes security might emphasize order and conformity. Norms are the shared expectations for how to behave in everyday situations, derived from those values, but they’re about specific actions rather than the underlying ideals. Mores are stronger norms tied to moral judgments; violating them is seen as seriously wrong. Folkways are informal, everyday customs that govern routine conduct but carry little moral weight. So while norms, mores, and folkways describe how people act, the abstract ideas about what is good or desirable—that foundational set of beliefs—are values.