Society is constructed of many expectations on the proper way to behave in a given situation, and those expectations are considered to be the norms in society. These norms are written, spoken and otherwise indicated, and are in place to create peace and harmony for all the members of society. The rules overriding these norms are divided into several categories known as folkways, mores, taboos and laws. As we compare the many rules that govern our society in the form of folkways, mores, taboos and laws, we begin to understand the value of each one, as well as the consequences for disregarding them. Out of these rules, the most severe consequences come from violating the social norms through acts of crime pertaining to criminal law.
Folkways …show more content…
If we examine the theory as such, we could conclude that although crime is devastating to those members of society that are forced to endure the event at no fault of their own, we are still able to have a positive outlook on the act. In an effort to understand the norms and values in society, we must sometimes look at a tragedy as something powerful that was placed with us as a reminder of what is really important in life (Lucas, 2014). It can serve to reiterate our viewpoint on what we consider to be moral and ethical behavior, as opposed dishonest and unjust. A tragic event also has the power to bring people closer to each other through the power of prayer or a alternative support system, and it also serves to inspire society as a group to make adjustments to the current folkways, mores, taboos or laws that govern our community. For example, the tragedy that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001 indirectly had a positive effect on the American people through each one of the four functions of the structural-functional theory, and through mass media that served to keep society informed of the events that transpired that day, and the days that followed (Functionalism and 9/11, 2011). The American public was able to reaffirm their norms and values and focus on the important things in life, such as their family, friends, homes, and jobs. They were able to restate their viewpoint on what they considered to be appropriate behavior in our country, and the amount of destruction that was created that day not what the American public considered to be appropriate behavior. The tragic events brought every American citizen together as one
Folkways …show more content…
If we examine the theory as such, we could conclude that although crime is devastating to those members of society that are forced to endure the event at no fault of their own, we are still able to have a positive outlook on the act. In an effort to understand the norms and values in society, we must sometimes look at a tragedy as something powerful that was placed with us as a reminder of what is really important in life (Lucas, 2014). It can serve to reiterate our viewpoint on what we consider to be moral and ethical behavior, as opposed dishonest and unjust. A tragic event also has the power to bring people closer to each other through the power of prayer or a alternative support system, and it also serves to inspire society as a group to make adjustments to the current folkways, mores, taboos or laws that govern our community. For example, the tragedy that occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001 indirectly had a positive effect on the American people through each one of the four functions of the structural-functional theory, and through mass media that served to keep society informed of the events that transpired that day, and the days that followed (Functionalism and 9/11, 2011). The American public was able to reaffirm their norms and values and focus on the important things in life, such as their family, friends, homes, and jobs. They were able to restate their viewpoint on what they considered to be appropriate behavior in our country, and the amount of destruction that was created that day not what the American public considered to be appropriate behavior. The tragic events brought every American citizen together as one