Difference between revisions of "Manner"
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| − | In [[sociology]], '''manners''' are the unenforced standards of conduct which show the actor to be [[culture]]d, [[polite]], and refined. They are like [[law]]s in that they codify or set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws in that there is no formal system for punishing transgressions, other than social disapproval | + | In [[sociology]], '''manners''' are the unenforced standards of conduct which show the actor to be [[culture]]d, [[polite]], and refined. They are like [[law]]s in that they codify or set a [[standard]] for [[human]] [[behavior]], but they are unlike laws in that there is no [[formal]] [[system]] for punishing transgressions, other than social disapproval. What is considered "mannerly" is highly susceptible to change with time, geographical location, [[status|social stratum]], occasion, and other factors. That manners matter is evidenced by the [[fact]] that large [[books]] have been written on the subject, [[advice column]]s frequently deal with questions of mannerly behavior, and that schools have existed for the sole [[purpose]] of teaching manners. |
A [[lady]] is a term frequently used for a woman who follows proper manners; the term [[gentleman]] is used as a male counterpart; though these terms are also often used for members of a particular [[social class]]. | A [[lady]] is a term frequently used for a woman who follows proper manners; the term [[gentleman]] is used as a male counterpart; though these terms are also often used for members of a particular [[social class]]. | ||
Revision as of 18:12, 6 May 2009
In sociology, manners are the unenforced standards of conduct which show the actor to be cultured, polite, and refined. They are like laws in that they codify or set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws in that there is no formal system for punishing transgressions, other than social disapproval. What is considered "mannerly" is highly susceptible to change with time, geographical location, social stratum, occasion, and other factors. That manners matter is evidenced by the fact that large books have been written on the subject, advice columns frequently deal with questions of mannerly behavior, and that schools have existed for the sole purpose of teaching manners. A lady is a term frequently used for a woman who follows proper manners; the term gentleman is used as a male counterpart; though these terms are also often used for members of a particular social class.
References
- Truss, Lynn (Nov. 14, 2005). "Don't be so rude". New Straits Times, p. L12–L13.
Further reading
- "Manner Equals Morals" by Ruth Nanda Anshen, Moyer-Bell, ISBN 1559210621
- New Manners for New Times: A Complete Guide to Etiquette, by Letitia Baldrige, New York: Scribner, 2003, ISBN 0-7432-1062-X, 709 pages.
- Manners from Heaven: A Divine Guide to Good Behaviour, by Quentin Crisp, HarperCollins Publishers (June 13, 1985), ISBN 0-00-654133-X, 138 pages.
- Town & Country Modern Manners: The Thinking Person's Guide to Social Graces, edited by Thomas P. Farley, Hearst Books (September 2005), ISBN 1-58816-454-3, 256 pages.
- Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, by Judith Martin, W. W. Norton & Company; Updated edition (April 20, 2005), ISBN 0-393-05874-3, 864 pages.
- Emily Post's Etiquette, by Peggy Post, HarperResource; 17th Indxd edition (November 1, 2004), ISBN 0-06-620957-9, 896 pages. Available online at Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home.
