Cultures in Canada HSC 4M Mr. Marcus Oct. 20/2014

Cultures in Canada Modern Canadian Society has many different cultures English and French are founding cultures First Nations cultures existed long before European

Cultures in Canada Over time immigrants have arrived in Canada bringing new cultures Post Confederation; Chinese & Japanese Turn of 20th Century; Central and Eastern European 1950s: Southern Europe 1970-Present: Asia, South America, Africa, Caribbean

Society A group of people in a geographic area who share certain laws and rules and who agree to relate to each other in certain ways. Culture A set of ideas and behaviours handed down from one generation to the next and shared among a group of people. Society vs Culture

Acculturation vs. Assimilation Process of acquiring the cultural beliefs, attitudes, ways of talking, and behaviour of another culture. Process by which a group integrates itself into the culture around it. Acculturation vs. Assimilation

Factors Shaping Culture

A society that creates official policies that encourage members to retain their cultural traditions. Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism Benefits Challenges New Ideas and Art Forms Exposure to new cultures enriches lives of individuals and helps society as a whole Discourages integration; segregates communities Hides social inequalities Multiculturalism

Multiculturalism Assimilation Canada vs. USA

Canada USA Cultural Differences More liberal More conservative Govt. is good Pro- Choice Same Sex Marriage Gun Control Multicultural Collective spirit USA More conservative Govt. is bad Anti-abortion Traditional marriage Gun rights Melting Pot Individualism Cultural Differences

Cultural Variation What are your favourite TV shows? Who are your favourite singers? What are your favourite music bands? Who are your favourite actors/actresses? Who are your favourite teams? Who are your favourite athletes? Who are your favourite authors? What politicians do you admire most? What world leaders do you admire most? Cultural Variation

Subcultures

A group that shares certain values and beliefs with the larger culture, but has characteristics that members share only with one another Subculture

Popular Culture What is popular culture? How does popular culture affect us? What are the pros and cons of popular culture?

Popular Culture Otherwise known as ‘Pop-Culture” Def. ‘culture that is shared by many groups in society and, increasingly throughout the world (Sproules, People in Perspective, 1994). Popular Culture

Elements of Popular Culture

4 Elements of Popular Culture Mass Production Mass Distribution Mass Communication Mass Consumption Mass Production – Until end of 18th century manufactured goods were all handmade. The Industrial Revolution changed Society Steam technology and later the assembly line allowed for the mass production of many items such as cars, clothing, furniture, tools and heavy machinery As time went on, distribution channels changed – from water, to rail, to hi ways to air, to wireless. The way we get things has changed greatlty In the 20th century a communications revolution occurred – the way people received messages changed from radio, movies, tv reaching large audiences. All members of society used these new forms of communications. 21st century has seen a boom in electronic media – wireless, smartphone, video gaming. Pop music is a direct result of communications revolution. The only way to hear music in past was to hear it live, or passed from person to person Computer Revolution- the microchip invention has changed the world, computers have become affordable and accessible for all members in society and has helped revolutionize society. Consumer Society- all these elements have made people aware of things and led to our growing materalistic society. Fads and fashion are examples of this: Rubiks Cube, roller blades, 4 Elements of Popular Culture

Impact of Mass Communication

Impact of Mass Communication Advantages Disadvantages Great awareness of world events Has created a global village Expanded trade and commerce opportunities Concern over the types of events that are being communicated Gloom and doom Media manipulation i.e. control Perpetuates instant gratification Impact of Mass Communication