Chapter 2 Section 2 Cultural Variation Cultural Diversity Chapter 2 Section 2 Cultural Variation

Cultural Variation What do we have in common? Variation among Societies Studying Variation Variation within societies

What do we have in Common? We all have the same basic needs but cultures are very different Some needs are basic that all societies must develop certain features to ensure their fulfillments: cultural universals. George Murdock examined hundreds of cultures in an attempt to determine what general traits are common to all cultures. Examples: cooking, dancing, family, feasting funeral ceremonies, housing, languages, music, myths, religions.

George Murdock In all cultures the need for families is the same. Family: Ensures new members will be added to society Members will be cared for until they can fend for themselves Introduces children to the components of their culture The makeup of families from culture to culture

Variation Among Societies Margaret Mead Conducted research to find out if our temperment is based on what we learn or inherited characteristics or from cultural influences. She observed several cultures from New Guinea. The Arapesh The Mundugumor Comparing the two societies Class Activity

Comparing Tribes Arapesh Mundugumor Compassionate Love Traditional Trusting Close Kind Content Family Peaceful Idealic Caring Mundugumor Hostile Aggressive Violent Hate Cruel Power Distant Jealous Scattered Warriors

Studying Variation Ethnocentrism Have you ever felt negative feelings toward another culture. We often feel this way about cultures that are different from their own Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one’s own culture and group as superior. Ethnocentrism is seen in all cultures, but when taken to the extreme it does not allow a culture to grow and accept new ideas, it also runs the risk of alienating certain members of its group.

Cultural Relativism It is important to keep an open mind toward cultural variation. Cultural Relativism is the belief that cultures should be judged by their own standards rather then by applying the standards of another culture. It is an attempt to understand cultural practices from the points of view of the members of the society being studied.

Variation Within Societies Variation exist among all societies. You share a common culture with all other Americans. American culture is collection of traits, complexes and patterns that are distinct from those is other societies. Subculture: some groups in society share values, norms, and behaviors that are not shared by the entire population. Give examples and support them.

Subcultures Examples Age Gender Ethnic Religious Poltical Geographic Social Class and occupational

Counterculture Examples In some cases, however, subculture practices are consciously intended to challenge the values of the larger society. Counterculture are groups that reject the major values, norms, and practices of the larger society and replaces them with a new set of cultural patterns. Examples Organized crime family Punk movement Hippies Anarchists