Chapter 4: Folk and Popular Culture Summary
Chapter 4 Key Points Folk cultures are spread primarily by: Relocation diffusion Mass communications Thermal transfer Word of mouth Rapid diffusion of popular culture encourages people in different places to Shy away from foreign ways adopt different customs Rush to department stores Makes them appreciate their own customs
Chapter 4 Key Points In contrast to popular culture, folk cultures are more likely to Adopt to similar customs Resent modern technological advances Vary from place to place at a given time Vary from time to time at a given place folk songs are distinguished from popular songs because they Are folksy, country songs Are written by specialist for commercial distribution Tell a story about daily activities Are only transmitted orally
Chapter 4 Key Points Popular customs most frequently originate in More developed countries Less developed countries Former communist countries Equally likely in all the above China produces relatively large amounts of swine compared to Middle Eastern countries primarily because China has more people than the countries of Southwest Asia Rice is the main cereal grain grown in China China’s physical environment is suitable for pig production Moslems have a taboo against pork consumption
Chapter 4 Key Points Size of buildings is not an important factor in distinguishing different folk housing types in the United States. True False Many less developed countries fear the loss of culture because Western perspectives may become more dominant It is difficult to resurrect lost culture Fear of the unknown Fear of lost revenue from increased sales
Chapter 4 Key Points Diffusion of popular customs can adversely impact environmental quality in two ways: Reducing demand for foreign products and promoting local crafts Using renewable materials and recycled designs Diversity of products and slow change Depletion of scarce resources and pollution People maintain their folk culture despite familiarity with popular culture primarily because of Strong desire to preserve unique customs Lack of exposure to the media Fear of foreign influence The high cost of popular customs
Chapter 4 Key Points In recent years, changing technology—especially the diffusion of small satellite dishes—has Forced countries to adapt to new technologies Made it harder for poor countries to regulate their use made television a force for political change rather than stability Made them more scarce in more developed countries The collapse of Communist governments in Eastern Europe during the late 1980s was hastened by The diffusion of small satellite dishes Illegal smuggling of jeans and other Western articles Radio broadcasts from Armed Forces Radio Network Open protests by angry citizens promoting change
Chapter 4 Key Points People in a country with a more developed economy are likely to have The income, time, and inclination to facilitate greater adoption of popular culture More sense to deviate from activities that are unfulfilling Reluctance in adopting popular culture due to leeriness of things new A greater need for the newest gadgets on the market