Which term refers to important norms tied to morality, laws, and ethics, with serious consequences if violated?

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

Answer: (B)

Mores are norms with strong moral significance that a culture treats as essential to social order. They reflect deep beliefs about right and wrong and are tied to ethics and, in many cases, legal rules. When a mores is violated, the community responds with severe sanctions—things like strong disapproval, ostracism, or formal penalties—because the behavior is seen as a serious threat to social cohesion. That combination of moral weight and harsh social response is what makes them the best fit for the idea of norms tied to morality, laws, and ethics with serious consequences. In contrast, norms in general cover a broader range of behaviors, folkways are everyday, lightly sanctioned customs, and values are beliefs about what is desirable rather than concrete rules of conduct.