Chapter 3, Culture Defining Culture The Elements of Culture Cultural Diversity Popular Culture Theoretical Perspectives on Culture Cultural Change

Characteristics of Culture Culture is shared. Culture is learned. Culture is taken for granted. Culture is symbolic. Culture varies across time and place.

The Elements of Culture Language Norms Beliefs Values

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Language forces people to perceive the world in certain terms. Critics question whether language single-handedly dictates the perception of reality.

 Ethnomethodology Deliberately disrupting social norms to observe how individuals respond. Uncovers the normal social order. Teaches that society exists because people behave as if there were no other way to do so.

Ethnocentrism Judging one culture by the standards of one’s own culture. Builds group solidarity, but discourages intercultural or intergroup understanding. Can lead to overt political conflict, war, and even genocide. 

Functionalist Perspectives on Culture Integrates people into groups. Provides coherence and stability in society. Creates norms and values that integrate people in society.

Conflict Theory Perspectives of Culture Serves the interest of powerful groups. Can be a source of political resistance. Is increasingly controlled by economic monopolies. 

Symbolic Interaction Perspectives on culture Creates group identity from diverse cultural meaning systems. Changes as people produce new cultural meaning systems. Is socially constructed through the activities of social groups.

New Cultural Studies Perspectives on Culture Is ephemeral, unpredictable and constantly changing. Is a material manifestation of a consumer-oriented society. Is best understood by analyzing its artifacts such as books, films and television images.

Sources of Cultural Change Cultures change in response to changed conditions in society. Cultures also change through cultural diffusion or as the result of innovation. Cultural change can be imposed (an invasion or political revolution).