MORES: A Comprehensive Model for Social Norms
Social norms are pervasive in human behavior, yet their complexity has made them difficult to model accurately. As such, researchers have proposed various models to explain the phenomenon. One such model, MORES (Multi-Order Rules of Engagement and Social Expectations), is a comprehensive model that offers insight into the formation, maintenance, and evolution of social norms. This article reviews the literature on MORES and outlines its key elements.
What is MORES?
MORES is a multi-level model for understanding social norms. Developed by psychologist Dr. Robert J. Bies in the 1980s, it is composed of five distinct components: (1) rules of engagement, (2) social expectations, (3) shared values, (4) shared beliefs, and (5) cultural scripts. These components interact with each other to create a complex system of social norms.
Rules of Engagement
The first component of MORES is rules of engagement. These are the norms that govern how members of a group interact with each other. They can range from basic etiquette and politeness to more complex rules of behavior. For example, in a family, a rule of engagement might be that everyone must say “please” and “thank you” when asking for something.
Social Expectations
The second component of MORES is social expectations. These are the norms that govern how members of a group are expected to behave. They may reflect the values and beliefs of the group, such as respect for authority or a commitment to hard work. For example, in a school, a social expectation might be that students must arrive on time for classes.
Shared Values
The third component of MORES is shared values. These are the norms that are widely accepted by members of a group. Examples include honesty, fairness, and compassion. They can also be more specific, such as a shared commitment to environmental conservation or a belief in the importance of education.
Shared Beliefs
The fourth component of MORES is shared beliefs. These are the norms that are widely accepted by members of a group as “true”. Examples include religious beliefs, political ideologies, and scientific theories. For example, in a community, a shared belief might be that climate change is real and must be addressed.
Cultural Scripts
The fifth and final component of MORES is cultural scripts. These are the norms that are widely accepted by members of a group as the “right” way to do things. Examples include gender roles, ethnic hierarchies, and traditional ceremonies. For example, in a certain culture, a cultural script might be that men should always walk on the left side of women when walking down the street.
Conclusion
MORES is a comprehensive model for understanding social norms. It is composed of five distinct components: rules of engagement, social expectations, shared values, shared beliefs, and cultural scripts. These components interact with each other to create a complex system of social norms that guide human behavior.
References
Bies, R. J. (1987). On the nature of social norms. In R. L. Burgess & T. L. Huston (Eds.), Social and interpersonal foundations of behavioral research (pp. 269-308). New York, NY: Academic Press.
Fiske, A. P., & Taylor, S. E. (2013). Social cognition: From brains to culture. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications.
Hechter, M. (1987). Principles of group solidarity. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.