Southern Folkways: Mannerisms and Etiquette

Kayla Cathcart

This project examines Southern folkways, i.e. the ordinary customs, habits, and practices of people in the US south. It discusses Southern mannerisms and etiquette, explaining how they originated, how they have changed over time, and whether Southerners still practice them today. This paper focuses specifically on the history and sociology of the Southern custom of holding the door for people (especially women), and also the practice of saying “Sir” or “Ma’am. These are two behaviors that can be seen as rude or even disrespectful in certain settings if they are not practiced. This project shows that there are fans and critics of Southern folkways, they are a central element to its culture.

• Kayla Cathcart graduated from Clover High School and is now a freshman nursing major from Lake Wylie, South Carolina. She is a member of the Honors College. When she graduates, she plans to continue her education and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.