Warm-up Looking down on other cultures that are not like one’s own is called ______: Which is an example of a non-material form of culture? a. family relationships b. fast food restaurants c. houses d. Computers 3. Which of the following is the best example of a society? a. Buddhists b. university students c. the inhabitants of Israel d. senior citizens who travel in R.V.’s 4. Which type of sociologist would be concerned with how culture is passed from generation to generation?
THE CARRIERS OF CULTURE. Chapter 2
The three carriers of culture… Language Values Rules (norms). They are what “shape society” and make up a culture.
Language Lang. is the ability to communicate using symbols…orally or in writing. A loss of language, may mean a loss of culture. Language Embodies Culture… participating in the culture means knowing the language. Language is a framework for how we view ourselves…example “African-American vs. Black”. Takes the emphasis off of color and puts it on culture. Language as a symbol of common unity… strongest bond.
Values Shared standards of what is good or bad, right or wrong Many values are universal (security, strong family ties, etc) the way they are achieved varies greatly. Example…we all value security…in America, may = money in the bank. A traditional society it may = a large family. Values are what are important to us!!!
The rules…. “norms”. Shared rules of conduct…how we should “act”. Norms and values are related…a norm suggests the most appropriate way to reach a valued end result. There are three kinds of norms… 1. Folkways 2. Mores 3. Laws
Folkways Customary and habitual way of doing (or not doing) things. Passed down generation to generation Fireworks on the 4th of July Shake hands when introduced to someone. Don’t pick your nose. Key concept… there is no real harm if you violate them…society may “look at you funny” or avoid you, but no “hard” punishment.
Mores (more-ays) Norms that have strong feelings of right or wrong associated with them May be reprimanded, shunned or ostracized. Behavior is offensive and can hurt others. Examples: Spitting in someone’s face. Being dishonest Making a racist or derogatory comment. The social punishment, lessens the chance you will do it again.
Laws Norms that are officially enforced by the government. Not all laws supported by the culture… example: motorcycle helmet law. Were mores once… then sentiment was so strong they become law.
Least Offensive Most Offensive Folkways Mores Laws
Social Control… Way that society makes “it’s own” follow the rules… getting you to conform to the norms of society. Conformity (to obey) is encouraged by sanctions Reward for conforming (following the rules) Punishment for deviance. (breaking the rules) Sanctions may be formal (DFCS comes to your home b/c of complaint) or informal (people avoid you because you do not wear deodorant).
Culture lotto project Pick any culture in the world to do your project on (sometimes it’s easier to pick a specific city in a country than just blankly stating a culture) You must complete 4 of the 11 choices Due on Monday 10/12 or Tuesday 10/13 (will tell you on Friday which day you will present)
Project During fall break I want you to dress opposite of how you usually dress (ie gothic, hipster, preppy, extremely formal, extremely sloppy) Take a photo of how your dressed Go some place in public where you will interact with multiple ppl Document how peoples perception of you was different than it usually is Write a three paragraph essay explaining why you chose to dress that way, how it’s different then the way you dress normally, how do random ppl treat you normally, how was it different when you dressed differently. What norms were you conforming to, or breaking.