How does Culture influence society? Norms & Values How does Culture influence society?

Norms What are the three types of Norms? Norms are rules that define behavior. They are ways of behaving in specific situations. Examples: Being in a public library, the way we act at a religious ceremony, the way we act meeting a potential mate’s family https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvMwF4F7I cE

Sociologist, William Graham, stated that anything can be considered appropriate when norms approve of it. Marrying your daughter off at thirteen? Burping at the table? Cleaning your plate? Cutting in line? Skinny dipping? Public cremation of a dead person Human or animal sacrifice

3 Factors that cause change in Social Norms Invention: The creation of new cultural elements Discovery: The better understanding of something already known Diffusion: The spread of cultural elements from one culture to another.

Three Basic types of norms. Folkways: Ways of thinking, Feeling and behaving without moral overtones Mores: Norms with great moral significance and are vital to the well being of society. Laws: Norms that are formally defined and enforced by officials

Examples of Folkways: Sleeping on mattress Sitting in a chair in class Not talking during the pledge Wearing your sex “prescribed” clothes Waiting in a line Picking up after yourself

Mores relate to morals: conduct related to right and wrong Mores relate to morals: conduct related to right and wrong. Violating these brings social judgement. Examples below: Able body men should work Women should veil themselves and talk to male family members only Adolescent boys can play basketball shirtless but girls can’t Not paying attention to the National Anthem Killing of Cows (Taboo) Sexual behaviors (Taboo) Taboo is a norm so strong usually demands punishment by the group

Laws are consciously created and enforced, but mores and folkways are not Mores are sources for laws Example: In the 1980’s, people began to reject the idea of people smoking in public. However today, most places have laws against it.

Sanctions People do not automatically conform to norms. Norms must be learned and accepted. Therefore, Sanctions, are rewards and punishments are used to encourage conformity to norms.

Formal Sanctions: A soldier earns a medal from Congress for a brave act A teacher assigns d-hall for a misbehavior A teacher give a 100 on an essay A judge hands down a life sentence

Informal Sanctions A girl smiles at a boy who gives her a compliment A teacher stops and waits till he/she has your attention Students ignore another student who is rude Turning around and looking at a person talking in a movie.

What are values and why are they so important?

Soviets=Full employment, medical care and education Values Broad ideas about what most people in society consider to be desirable. Value (FREEDOM) Soviets=Full employment, medical care and education United States=Free speech, assembly, private enterprise, representative government

Values influence human social behavior Democracy=personal freedom Human welfare=provides for unfortunate members Material comfort=Going to college, career, working hard

Basic Values in the United States Achievement and Success Activity and work Efficiency and practicality Equality Democracy Group superiority