A Ukrainian's Perspective on Cultural Norms in America

In the tenth grade we're discussing the influence and meaning of culture, breaking the concept of "culture" into the sub-groups of "values," "norms," "folkways," "taboos," and "mores."

Values are socially shared ideas about what is good, desirable or important.

Norms are rules about what is socially acceptable and unacceptable.

Folkways are less serious kinds of norms.

Mores are norms that provide standards for moral behavior.

In class we're examining these terms, applying them to American and Russian culture. A helpful article by a Ukranian student attending college in America can be found here; she rather succinctly points out the main differences between her native and adopted cultures.