Joshua decided that the only way he could pay back his auto loan was to transfer funds from the company where he worked directly into his personal account. He also knows that if he gets caught, he will probably spend time in jail. Joshua’s choice represents a violation of
A) folkways.
B) mores.
C) rituals.
D) etiquette.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B) mores.
Mores are societal norms or customs that are considered to have greater moral significance than others. They are often deeply embedded in the values of a culture and are linked to the idea of right and wrong. Violations of mores are typically viewed as serious breaches that can lead to strong social condemnation or even legal consequences, as they often concern actions that affect the integrity or well-being of society.
Joshua’s decision to transfer funds from his employer to his personal account without permission is a clear violation of mores. This act is not only ethically wrong but also illegal, as it involves theft or embezzlement. The severity of the violation stems from the fact that it undermines trust in the workplace and goes against the legal and moral expectations of financial integrity and honesty.
In contrast, folkways refer to informal social norms that guide everyday behavior but are less strictly enforced. For example, wearing appropriate clothing to work may be a folkway, but violating it would not carry the same legal or moral weight as violating mores. Rituals and etiquette are concerned with customs and manners that are important in social settings but are not typically tied to moral standards or legal consequences in the same way that mores are.
Thus, Joshua’s actions represent a clear violation of mores because they involve illegal activity with significant moral and legal implications. If caught, he could face serious legal consequences, including jail time, which highlights the gravity of violating these societal norms.