Mores (generally pronounced , and often ; from
Latin mores, , plural form of singular , meaning "manner", "custom", "usage", "habit") is a term introduced into English by
William Graham Sumner (1840–1910), an early U.S.
sociologist, to refer to
social norms that are widely observed and are considered to have greater moral significance than others. Mores include an aversion for societal
taboos, such as
incest. The mores of a society usually predicate legislation prohibiting their taboos. Often, countries will employ specialized
vice squads or vice police engaged in suppressing specific crimes offending the societal mores.
