Chapter 2 Culture

Chapter Outline Introduction to Culture Basis of Human Behavior: Culture and Biology The Carriers of Culture Cultural Diversity and Change

Chapter Outline Sources of Cultural Diversity and Change Consequences of Cultural Diversity and Change Uses of Culture

What Is Culture? The way of life shared by members of a community. Nonmaterial culture - language, values, rules and knowledge shared by a society. Material culture - physical objects a society produces—tools, streets, sculptures, and toys. Material objects depend on the nonmaterial culture for meaning.

Two Approaches to the Study of Culture The first approach treats culture as the underlying basis of interaction. More interested in how culture shapes us than in how culture itself is shaped. The second approach focuses on culture as a social product. Asks why particular aspects of culture develop.

Characteristics of Culture Problem solving - culture is the way human societies adapt to their natural environments. Relative - different groups come up with different ways to solve problems. A social product - cultural diversity is not the product of gene pools, but of cultural evolution.

Biological Perspective Maintains that human behavior is based in biology. Sociobiologists argue that humans have developed altruism (unselfish behavior) as an adaptive mechanism.

The Carriers of Culture Language Values Norms

Language Permits humans to coordinate behavior and cooperate to survive as a social species. It is an embodiment of culture. It is a framework. It provides symbols of social identity.

Values Tell us what is good or bad, sacred or profane. Tenderness and toughness, self-reliance, and finding one’s identity in the group are values.

Norms Three basic categories: Folkways are day-to-day norms for ordinary behavior. Mores are norms that carry heavy social sanctions. Laws are norms endorsed and associated with sanctions enforced by a government.

Values, Norms, and Laws Definition Example (from Marriage) Values Shared goals Marriage includes physical love between wife and husband, Norms Shared rules of conduct Have regular sexual intercourse only with each other.

Values, Norms, and Laws Definition Example (from Marriage) Folkways Customary norms Kids sleep in a different room Mores Strong feelings of right and wrong Thou shalt not commit adultery Laws Formal standards of conducts Illegal for husband to rape wife.

Sources of Cultural Diversity and Change Environment may dictate norms. Isolation results in diversity because cultures evolve without other influences. Technology can radically alter a culture. Dominant cultural themes affect how cultures respond to innovations.

Median Value of Debt, Among American Families With Debt

Consequences of Cultural Diversity and Change Culture Shock can happen when a person is thrust into a new cultural environment. Cultural lag occurs when one part of a culture, like its technologies, change faster than other parts, such as the patterns of marriage, residence, and child raising.