Custom
Introduction
Custom refers to long-established and socially accepted ways of behaving that are
regularly followed by members of a society. Customs develop gradually over time and
become an important part of a group’s cultural life. They are informal rules that guide
everyday behavior and help individuals understand what is considered appropriate or
inappropriate in social situations.
According to sociologist William Graham Sumner, customs grow out of repeated social
practices and become habitual patterns of behavior within a community. These
practices are passed from one generation to another and form an essential part of
social tradition.
Customs play a vital role in maintaining social order, preserving cultural identity, and
ensuring continuity in society. Though they are usually unwritten, they strongly influence
human behavior and social relationships.
Definitions
William Graham Sumner: Customs are habitual ways of acting that arise from group
life.
Kingsley Davis: Customs are socially approved ways of behavior that are passed from
generation to generation.
Characteristics of Custom
Customs are important social norms that guide behavior in society. Their main
characteristics are:
1. Traditional
• Customs are based on long-standing practices. They develop over time and are
passed from one generation to another.
2. Unwritten
• Most customs are not formally written down. People follow them because they
are socially accepted, not because they are legally enforced.
3. Socially Approved
• Customs are accepted and approved by the majority of members of society.
Following them brings social approval.
4. Repetitive in Nature
, • They are repeated regularly in daily life (e.g., greeting styles, marriage rituals).
5. Learned Behavior
• Customs are not inborn; they are learned through socialization within family,
community, and institutions.
6. Conservative and Stable
• Customs resist sudden change. They tend to remain stable over long periods,
though gradual change is possible.
7. Differ from Society to Society
• Customs vary across cultures and communities. What is acceptable in one
society may not be in another.
8. Informal Social Control
• They regulate behavior through social pressure, praise, or criticism rather than
formal legal punishment.
9. Collective Origin
• Customs arise from group life and collective experience, not from an individual’s
decision.
As explained by William Graham Sumner, customs develop out of habitual group
behavior and gradually become socially binding norms.
Types of customs
In sociology, customs are classified into different types based on their importance,
strength, and social significance. The main types are explained below:
1. Folkways
These are everyday customary ways of behaving in society. They are simple habits and
conventions that people follow in daily life.
• Not strictly enforced
• Violation leads to mild disapproval
• Concern routine behavior
Examples:
• Greeting others politely, dress manners, table manners.
• The concept of folkways was explained by William Graham Sumner.
2. Mores
, Mores are customs with strong moral significance. They are considered essential for the
welfare of society.
• Strictly enforced
• Violation leads to serious punishment or social rejection
• Connected with moral values
Examples:
• Prohibition of theft, respect for marriage, honesty in social life.
3. Traditions
Traditions are long-established customs passed from generation to generation. They are
often connected with cultural and historical practices.
• Preserved over time
• Symbol of cultural identity
• May be religious or social
Examples:
• Celebrating festivals, traditional marriage ceremonies, national celebrations.
4. Rituals
Rituals are formal and symbolic customs performed on special occasions.
• Structured and ceremonial
• Often religious in nature
• Follow fixed patterns
Examples:
• Wedding rituals, funeral ceremonies, religious prayers.
5. Fashion (Temporary Custom)
Fashion refers to customs that are followed for a short time.
• Temporary in nature
• Common in dress, lifestyle, or trends
• Changes quickly
Examples:
• Clothing trends, hairstyles, social media trends.
6. Conventions
Conventions are agreed-upon customs followed for convenience in social life.
Introduction
Custom refers to long-established and socially accepted ways of behaving that are
regularly followed by members of a society. Customs develop gradually over time and
become an important part of a group’s cultural life. They are informal rules that guide
everyday behavior and help individuals understand what is considered appropriate or
inappropriate in social situations.
According to sociologist William Graham Sumner, customs grow out of repeated social
practices and become habitual patterns of behavior within a community. These
practices are passed from one generation to another and form an essential part of
social tradition.
Customs play a vital role in maintaining social order, preserving cultural identity, and
ensuring continuity in society. Though they are usually unwritten, they strongly influence
human behavior and social relationships.
Definitions
William Graham Sumner: Customs are habitual ways of acting that arise from group
life.
Kingsley Davis: Customs are socially approved ways of behavior that are passed from
generation to generation.
Characteristics of Custom
Customs are important social norms that guide behavior in society. Their main
characteristics are:
1. Traditional
• Customs are based on long-standing practices. They develop over time and are
passed from one generation to another.
2. Unwritten
• Most customs are not formally written down. People follow them because they
are socially accepted, not because they are legally enforced.
3. Socially Approved
• Customs are accepted and approved by the majority of members of society.
Following them brings social approval.
4. Repetitive in Nature
, • They are repeated regularly in daily life (e.g., greeting styles, marriage rituals).
5. Learned Behavior
• Customs are not inborn; they are learned through socialization within family,
community, and institutions.
6. Conservative and Stable
• Customs resist sudden change. They tend to remain stable over long periods,
though gradual change is possible.
7. Differ from Society to Society
• Customs vary across cultures and communities. What is acceptable in one
society may not be in another.
8. Informal Social Control
• They regulate behavior through social pressure, praise, or criticism rather than
formal legal punishment.
9. Collective Origin
• Customs arise from group life and collective experience, not from an individual’s
decision.
As explained by William Graham Sumner, customs develop out of habitual group
behavior and gradually become socially binding norms.
Types of customs
In sociology, customs are classified into different types based on their importance,
strength, and social significance. The main types are explained below:
1. Folkways
These are everyday customary ways of behaving in society. They are simple habits and
conventions that people follow in daily life.
• Not strictly enforced
• Violation leads to mild disapproval
• Concern routine behavior
Examples:
• Greeting others politely, dress manners, table manners.
• The concept of folkways was explained by William Graham Sumner.
2. Mores
, Mores are customs with strong moral significance. They are considered essential for the
welfare of society.
• Strictly enforced
• Violation leads to serious punishment or social rejection
• Connected with moral values
Examples:
• Prohibition of theft, respect for marriage, honesty in social life.
3. Traditions
Traditions are long-established customs passed from generation to generation. They are
often connected with cultural and historical practices.
• Preserved over time
• Symbol of cultural identity
• May be religious or social
Examples:
• Celebrating festivals, traditional marriage ceremonies, national celebrations.
4. Rituals
Rituals are formal and symbolic customs performed on special occasions.
• Structured and ceremonial
• Often religious in nature
• Follow fixed patterns
Examples:
• Wedding rituals, funeral ceremonies, religious prayers.
5. Fashion (Temporary Custom)
Fashion refers to customs that are followed for a short time.
• Temporary in nature
• Common in dress, lifestyle, or trends
• Changes quickly
Examples:
• Clothing trends, hairstyles, social media trends.
6. Conventions
Conventions are agreed-upon customs followed for convenience in social life.
