Cultural Diversity Chapter 2, Section 1

Bell Starter Define the following terms: technology, symbol, language, values, and norms. Once you have complete defining the terms— imagine that you have been sent back in time to conduct anthropological research on American culture—for each term provide descriptive information that can be written under each term. Section 1 will help you list the components of culture according to each term.

What is Culture? Culture, the shared products of human groups, comes in two forms- material and nonmaterial. It should not be confused with the term society, which refers to a group of people who share culture and a feeling of unity. In short, societies are people, and culture refers to the components people create. Material culture= physical objects such as books, clothing, utensils, etc. Nonmaterial culture= abstract human creations, such as beliefs, language, ideas, etc.

Components of Culture There are 5 basic components of culture that all societies have some form of. They are: Technology Symbols Language Values Norms

Components of Culture Technology Symbols Combination of objects and rules for using them. Items of material culture, and the knowledge of how to use them. Also incorporates ideas. Symbols Anything that represents something else. Form of communication between members of a society. Though the symbols may be different, they are used the same from culture to culture.

Components of Culture Language Values Norms Organization of written or spoken symbols into a standardized system. Values Shared beliefs about what is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable. Help determine the character of a group of people. Norms Shared rules of conduct that tell how to act in a given situation. Expectations of behavior not everyone’s actions will be in line with these.

Types of Norms Folkways= socially acceptable behavior that do not have great moral significance attached. Common customs of everyday life. Examples: Eating steak with utensils instead of your hands Covering your mouth when you yawn Shaking hands when you meet someone Mores= great moral significance attached; otherwise, the stability of society would be upset. Dishonesty, murder, fraud

Violation of Mores Societies have established laws for when mores are violated. Written rules of conduct enacted and enforced by the government. However, not all laws are established for mores– some are in place to enforce folkways, such as not parking in a handicap spot.

Examining Culture Culture is dynamic rather than static– it changes over time. Sociologists study culture on three levels of complexity: Cultural traits Cultural complexes Cultural patterns

Examining Culture Cultural trait= simplest level of culture; an individual item, act or belief. Cultural complex= cultural traits come together to make up a cultural complex. Multiple items, acts or beliefs. Cultural pattern= multiple cultural complexes; together they form large parts of a society’s culture.