Differences are the keys to success! Culture - Diversity Differences are the keys to success!

United states Most multicultural of all industrial countries

Most monocultural of all industrial nations japan Most monocultural of all industrial nations

Due to history ….. US has always opened its doors to the many cultures of the world. We were formed upon the idea that we have “outsiders”. Our country stands for….”Freedom” and “Culture”. We are the epitome of westernization – good and bad. Distinctive accents throughout the country – southern drawl, NY accent, etc Religious pluralism Land of class differences Home to individualists

Japan – had closed its doors for over 250 years They looked down upon westernization. They felt it took away from their culture, their traditions and their strength. They were strong as a closed nation but once they opened their doors – it took a toll.

High Culture Refers to cultural patterns that distinguish a society’s elite High culture is NOT inherently superior to popular culture People seem to think this is the case but sociologists have learned: Neither “elites” nor ‘ordinary people” share the same tastes and interests Who says High culture is “better” than popular culture? High culture supporters have more money, power and prestige?

Popular Culture Designates cultural patterns that are widespread among a society’s population What people think is “cool”? What “motivates” certain groups of people to pursue dreams/aspirations? What is “popular”?

What is the difference between a Violin vs fiddle?

Subcultures Cultural patterns that distinguish some segment of a society’s population Differences & Hierarchy

What is the difference between a Aspen skier and a Los Angeles skateboarder?

How much of a melting pot are we in the US How much of a melting pot are we in the US? Is there an “American culture”?

Multiculturalism An educational program recognizing the cultural diversity of the US Promoting the equality of all cultural traditions Question: Should we continue to focus on historical traditions or highlight contemporary diversity?

E Pluribus Unum – Latin phrase for “out of many, one” Symbolizes not only our national political union Idea that immigrants from around the world have come together to form a new way of life

Opposite of Ethnocentrism (dominance of European cultural patterns) Supporters argue that it helps us come to terms with our diverse present and strengthens the academic achievement of African-American children. Some call for Afrocentrism (dominance of African cultural patterns in people’s lives) Opponents argue that it encourages diviseness rather than unity.

Modern issue: What is the official language of America (US)?

Common ground: We need greater appreciation of our cultural diversity. Balance needs to be between “Pluribus” and “Unum”

Counterculture Cultural patterns that strongly oppose those widely accepted within a society. 1960s – Flower child Rejected mainstream culture as overly competitive, self- centered, and materialistic Favored a cooperative lifestyle “being” took precedent over “doing” “expanded consciousness” (personal growth) was more accepted over material possessions

Religious militants can be included in this group A good show to see this Counterculture would be The Wonder Years or the movie: Forrest Gump

Cultural Change “All things shall pass” Cultural integration (the close relationship among various elements of a cultural system) Cultural lag (refers to the fact that cultural elements change at different rates – could disrupt a cultural system)

Three factors which affect these changes: Invention – the process of creating new cultural elements Discovery – recognizing and understand an idea not fully understood before Diffusion – the spread of cultural traits from one cultural system to another

Ethnocentrism judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture

Cultural relativism judging a culture by its own standards

Global culture Three key factors: Global economy – the flow of goods Global communications – the flow of information Global migration – the flow of people

Three limitations: Global culture – more advanced in some parts of the world than others Affordability – Many people cannot afford to participate in the material aspects of a global culture Various meanings – Different people attribute different meanings to various aspects of the global culture