In sociology, what are deeply held beliefs about what is good, right, and important?

The concept of deeply held beliefs about what is good, right, and important in sociology is referred to as values. Values serve as guiding principles that shape individual behavior, societal expectations, and social norms. They reflect what a society deems important and can influence laws, customs, and interpersonal relationships.

For instance, values such as equality, freedom, and justice can affect social movements and influence legislation. Understanding values is crucial because they help explain why individuals make certain choices and how they interact with others within their cultural context.

Norms, while related, focus more on the rules or expectations regarding behavior in specific situations rather than the underlying beliefs about morality and desirability. Roles refer to the expected behavior associated with particular positions in society, which can be shaped by the underlying values. Codes can pertain to the formal guidelines or systems in place but do not encapsulate the broader, deeply held beliefs that values provide.

Thus, recognizing values is fundamental in sociology for grasping the ethos that informs societal structures and individual actions.