What are folkways?

Folkways are best characterized as norms related to everyday customs and practices. They encompass the casual norms that guide everyday behavior in a society, influencing how individuals interact and engage in social situations. These norms are typically unwritten and can vary widely between different cultural contexts. For instance, folkways can dictate social etiquette, such as table manners or greetings, which might not carry significant moral weight but are important for social cohesion and proper interaction.

While the other options describe different types of social norms or rules, they do not accurately capture the essence of folkways. The notion of strict rules governing morality aligns more with mores, which are serious norms tied to ethical behavior. Fundamental laws enforced by the government relate to legal statutes and rights, while global norms shared across cultures pertain to more universal principles that transcend individual cultural practices. Thus, describing folkways as the norms that guide everyday customs and practices provides a clearer understanding of their role in society.