Question

Distinguish among beliefs, values, and customs. Illustrate how the clothing a person wears at different times or for different occasions is influenced by customs.

Answer 1

Distinction between beliefs, values, and customs.

Beliefs

Beliefs are basically assumptions, rationalizations, or conclusions we hold to make sense of our lives and things that occur around us. Our beliefs can be learned from our families or other people around us. Our beliefs form and change based upon what we see, hear, read, experience, or think about. Our beliefs are not only how we see ourselves, but also how we see other people around us. We usually do not question our beliefs until situations occur that makes us call what we believe into question. Our beliefs make up a component of our values and are often mistaken for such. Beliefs govern how you see the world; values determine how you act and react in it.

Values

Our values are the criteria we use to dictate how we should act or react in a given set of circumstances. Values are the drives that control our actions and are based upon our beliefs, traditions, customs, and the rules governing our behavior. Our values are what make us consider concepts like honesty, empathy, equality, effort, perseverance, order, respect, loyalty, law, temperance, faithfulness and a host of other feelings or ideals. Once we develop our values they remain a part of us. Since people can learn and grow, values can change and improve. Where our values are concerned, we either follow them or we compromise them when we believe the circumstances make it necessary.

Customs

Customs are behaviors that we are conditioned to follow. Customs can be traditions or social actions passed down in a family or passed on as a part of a person’s culture. Customs are also actions that a person is required to follow as a member of a group, organization, or society. Customs are also actions people come to believe are a part of an institution like marriage, graduations after completing school, or being a member of the military.

How the clothing a person wears at different times or for different occasions is influenced by customs

People wear clothing that is appropriate to the social customs of the place they live Examples: Wearing black to a funeral is a social custom. Wearing a head scarf in public by women in muslim countries is custom