Folkways are the everyday norms, customs, and traditions that exist within a culture or society. These behaviors are not necessarily codified in laws or written rules, but are instead passed down through socialization and cultural transmission. Folkways are a crucial part of any culture, as they shape the way that people interact with one another and the world around them. In this essay, we will explore some examples of folkways from various cultures around the world.
One common folkway found in many cultures is the use of greetings. Greetings serve as a way to acknowledge another person's presence and to show respect. In Western cultures, it is common to greet someone by shaking hands or saying "hello." In some Asian cultures, bowing is a common form of greeting, with the depth of the bow indicating the level of respect being shown. In certain African cultures, it is customary to greet someone by placing one's right hand on their left shoulder and saying "peace."
Another example of a folkway is the use of gestures to communicate. Gestures can convey a wide range of meanings, from approval or agreement to disgust or anger. In many cultures, it is considered rude to point at someone or something with your finger. Instead, it is more polite to use an open hand or a nod of the head. In some cultures, a thumb up or a wink can indicate approval, while a raised middle finger or a scowl can convey disrespect or anger.
Folkways also often dictate the way that people dress and present themselves in public. In many cultures, it is considered inappropriate to show too much skin in public, and people are expected to dress modestly. In other cultures, however, it is more common for people to wear clothing that reveals more skin, such as short skirts and low-cut tops.
Folkways can also influence the way that people interact with one another. In some cultures, it is considered rude to make direct eye contact with someone, while in others it is seen as a sign of respect. In many cultures, it is customary to offer a gift or a small token of appreciation when visiting someone's home, while in other cultures it is not necessary.
Finally, folkways can also dictate the way that people celebrate and observe holidays and other special occasions. In many cultures, it is customary to exchange gifts and greetings on holidays such as Christmas and Hanukkah, while in others, these traditions do not exist. Similarly, some cultures have traditional ceremonies or rituals that are performed on specific occasions, such as coming of age celebrations or weddings.
In conclusion, folkways are the everyday norms and traditions that shape the way that people interact with one another and the world around them. These behaviors vary widely from culture to culture and can influence everything from greetings and gestures to the way that people dress and celebrate special occasions. Understanding and respecting these folkways is an important part of cultural competence and can help to facilitate positive interactions and relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds.
