What are mores closely associated with?

Mores are deeply embedded social norms that hold significant moral value within a society. They are the unwritten rules that dictate acceptable behaviors and are tied closely to the ethical standards of a culture. Mores serve to uphold a community's sense of right and wrong, and violations of these norms often result in strong reactions from the society, including social sanctions or ostracism.

For example, in many cultures, mores dictate behaviors such as honesty, fidelity, and respect for others. When individuals violate these mores—such as through acts of theft or infidelity—they are typically subject to social penalties because these actions are seen as serious breaches of trust or morality. This connection to moral significance clearly distinguishes mores from other types of social norms that may not carry the same weight in moral discourse, such as individual preferences or mere legal regulations.

Thus, the association of mores with moral significance and core values highlights their fundamental role in maintaining the social fabric and guiding behavior within a community.