What are the norms that are strongly held and seen as essential to the welfare of a group called?

The norms that are strongly held and considered essential to the welfare of a group are referred to as mores. Mores are fundamental, often moral norms that play a critical role in the functioning of a society and dictate what is deemed right and wrong behavior within that group. These norms often underlie the legal system and social institutions, emphasizing values such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. Violating mores can lead to severe social repercussions, as they are integral to maintaining social order and cohesion.

In contrast, folkways represent informal norms or everyday customs that, while important, do not hold the same level of moral significance as mores. Taboos are a subset of mores that are particularly strong prohibitions against certain behaviors. The term "norms" is a broader classification that includes all types of societal rules but does not specifically highlight the strong moral implications found in mores. Hence, the identification of mores as the correct response emphasizes their crucial role in embodying the moral fabric of a community.