What is the term for widely accepted informal guidelines for behavior within a culture?

The correct term that describes widely accepted informal guidelines for behavior within a culture is "norms." Norms are the unwritten rules that govern social behavior and expectations in society. They help individuals understand what is considered appropriate or inappropriate in various social situations. Norms can vary significantly between different cultures or even within different groups in the same culture, reflecting the shared values and beliefs of a group.

Understanding norms is crucial in sociology because they play a key role in maintaining social order and cohesion. They influence behavior and help individuals navigate their social environments by providing a framework for expected conduct. Norms can be both prescriptive (indicating what behavior is appropriate) and proscriptive (indicating what behavior is unacceptable).

The other terms, while related, refer to different concepts. "Mores" represent stronger societal norms that relate to moral values and are typically met with more severe consequences if violated. "Standards" generally refer to criteria used to measure or judge quality or performance, which is not specific to cultural behavior. "Rituals" denote formalized patterns of behavior that are often ceremonial in nature but do not necessarily serve as guidelines for everyday behavior like norms do.