Chapter 2 Cultural Diversity Most sociologists believe that people are not locked into predetermined sets of behaviors. They are changed by their environments.

What is culture? Culture consists of all the shared products of human groups. Include physical objects Material culture books, cars, clothing, etc. Include beliefs, values, and behaviors shared by a group. Nonmaterial culture Language, rules, politics, etc.

What is society? Society A group of interdependent people who have organized in such a way as to share a common culture in unity. Society = People Culture = Materials and nonmaterial products that people create.

Components of Culture Technology Knowledge and material goods people use for practical purposes. Internet Cars phones Why are sociologists interested in technology? Want to know if people misuse technology for personal desire Hacking systems Running over people Threatening people on the phone

Language Language Organization of written or spoken symbols into a standardized system. Used to express ideas of a culture

Values Values Shared beliefs about what is good, bad, right, or wrong. Language and symbols allow us to communicate our values

Norms Norms Shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations. Example: In US, value of a democratic government is reinforced through norms such as: Stating the Pledge of Allegiance Respect to the flag

Norms Norms = expected behavior in society Norms ≠ actual behavior Example: People are taught to pay their bills People don’t always pay their bills

Folkways Norms that describe socially acceptable behavior but do not have great moral significance attached to them. “common customs” “Don’t talk with your mouth full!” Do your homework!” Shake hands when you meet someone.” Little punishment if you do not follow these rules.

Social Mores Opposite of Folkways Mores = Norms with great moral significance! Violation of such rules endangers society’s well being and stability Ex: murder, fraud, etc. Laws are written to keep people from going against social mores. Laws = written rules of conduct enacted and enforced by the government.

3 levels of Culture Culture Trait Culture Complexes Culture Patterns

Culture Traits Simplest level of a culture Culture traits = an individual act or belief that is related to a particular situation or need. Examples using a fork at the dinner table Saying Hi to a friend

Culture Complexes Individual culture traits combine to form next level called culture complexes Cluster of interrelated traits. Examples of a family’s culture complexes: Mom and Dad Siblings Jobs Schools Religion

Culture Patterns Culture complexes combine to make culture patterns. Combination of a number of culture complexes into an interrelated whole group. Culture Traits Culture Complexes Culture Patterns