Module 11: Development of Culture around the World Sociology in Modules Richard T. Schaefer 3rd edition

Development of Culture around the World Innovation: process of introducing a new idea or object to a culture Discovery: making known or sharing existence of an aspect of reality Invention: existing cultural items combined into form that did not exist before

Globalization, Diffusion, and Technology Diffusion: process by which cultural item spreads from group to group McDonaldization of society: process through which principles of fast-food industry dominate certain sectors of society Technology: information about how to use material resources of the environment to satisfy human needs and desires (Nolan and Lenski)

Globalization, Diffusion, and Technology Material culture: physical or technological aspects of daily lives Nonmaterial culture: ways of using material objects Culture lag: period of maladjustment when nonmaterial culture struggles to adapt to new material conditions

Sociology in the Global Community 11-1: Life in the Global Village How are you affected by globalization? Which aspects of globalization do you find advantageous and which objectionable? How would you feel if the customs and traditions you grew up with were replaced by the culture or values of another country? How might you try to protect your culture?

Sociology in the Global Community 11-2: Cultural Survival in Brazil Compare the frontier in Brazil today to the American West in the 1800s. What similarities do you see? What does society lose when indigenous cultures die?