Introductory Sociology CLEP Prep Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your CLEP Success!

The characteristic of "mores" that makes the correct answer focus on their role in guiding moral behavior. Mores are the strongly held norms that dictate what is considered right and wrong within a society. They encompass the values and beliefs that a community regards as essential for maintaining order and social cohesion. Because of their significance, violations of mores often result in strong social sanctions or disapproval, as they are directly tied to societal ethics.

Understanding that mores are moral guidelines helps to differentiate them from other forms of norms. For example, while laws might represent formally codified rules, mores are more about societal expectations and moral principles. Mores are not easily changeable; they evolve slowly over time as societal values shift, which distinguishes them from more flexible social norms. They are not primarily economic in nature, as they pertain more broadly to moral and ethical behavior rather than just economic interactions. Finally, although mores can vary between different groups within diverse societies, they generally apply to the broader society rather than being confined to specific subgroups.