Part 2: The Components of Culture

5 Components of Culture Technology, Symbols, Language, Values, & Norms Components vary: Within cultures Between cultures Over the course of time Examples: Computer – understanding how computers work, knowledge of computer jargon, ability to access and surf the Internet Rules: Hacking – accessing websites/computer systems illegally is usually considered unacceptable behavior

Technology DEFINITION: knowledge and tools people use for practical purposes Sociologists are not only interested in skills but also the rules of acceptable behavior when using material culture Examples: Computer – understanding how computers work, knowledge of computer jargon, ability to access and surf the Internet Rules: Hacking – accessing websites/computer systems illegally is usually considered unacceptable behavior

darn http://crookedtimber.org/2011/01/13/a-carpet/

Symbols DEFINITION: cultural representations of reality; carry meaning Any word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event or element of the natural world Examples: class ring, the word “hello,” a handshake, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. Symbols carry a particular meaning that is recognized by people who share culture, though we tend to take many of our cultural symbols for granted ALL cultures communicate through symbols

Symbols Can the meaning of symbols change over time? Examples: class ring, the word “hello,” a handshake, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. Symbols carry a particular meaning that is recognized by people who share culture, though we tend to take many of our cultural symbols for granted ALL cultures communicate through symbols

Symbols Can the meaning of symbols vary between cultures? Examples: class ring, the word “hello,” a handshake, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. Symbols carry a particular meaning that is recognized by people who share culture, though we tend to take many of our cultural symbols for granted ALL cultures communicate through symbols

Hand gestures in different cultures…why the Biebs needs to be careful!

Language DEFINITION: a system of verbal and written representations that are culturally specific; convey meaning about the world Critical to the transmission of culture Language & Cultural Transmission: The process by which one generation passes culture on to the next Oral cultural tradition has been critical through human history

Language Does language shape reality? Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: People perceive the world through the cultural lens of language

Values & Beliefs DEFINITION: culturally defined standards about what is good, right, fair and just Serve as broad guidelines for social living Values held by a group help determine character of its people and kinds of material/non-material culture they create Inconsistency & Conflict: The values people hold vary to some degree by age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion and social class Individuals are likely to experience some inconsistency & conflict with their personal values CHANGE OVER TIME

Norms DEFINITION: rules & expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members

Norms Norms vary around the world according to culture*: Bulgaria: A nod means no, and a shake of the head from side to side means yes Great Britain: Never touch the Queen, not even to gently guide her & don’t shake her hand unless she extends it to you first Germany: Shaking hands while your other hand is in your pocket is considered impolite Greece: Unlike the British, the Greeks do not respect lines, or queues, in public places Italy: Italians consider it unfeminine for a woman to pour wine Russia: Whistling at public gatherings is a sign of disagreement & disapproval Turkey: It is considered rude to cross your arms over your chest or to put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone *Source: Do’s and Taboos Around the World: Roger E. Axtell (New York: Wiley, 1998)

Norms Oman: It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face your host with the soles of your shoes showing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chair Iran: Shaking hands with a child shows respect of his or her parents Saudi Arabia: At political events, it is customary for men to greet elders and dignitaries by kissing their right front shoulder China: Some pushing and shoving in stores or when boarding public transportation is common and not considered rude India: Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body in India, you should not pat children on the head or touch an older person’s head Japan: Women should avoid wearing high heels in order to avoid towering over their male counterparts South Korea: Koreans, especially women, cover their mouths when laughing to avoid showing the inside of their mouths

Norms (food)

Norms Norms vary according to context of behavior Ex: Murderer vs Soldier or Police Officer Another example…

Folkways v. Mores 2 Types of Norms: Folkways vs. Mores Folkways: Norms that refer to a society’s customs for routine, casual interaction Mores (MOR-ayz): Norms that refer to a society’s standards regarding proper moral conduct More serious mores become laws

Sanctions Definition: Rewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to norms

Sanctions Positive v. Negative Sanctions Formal v. Informal Sanctions Positive: an action that rewards a particular kind of behavior Negative: a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity Formal v. Informal Sanctions Formal: Reward/punishment given by a formal organization such as a school, gov’t Informal: spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or group Positive Sanctions: an action that rewards a particular kind of behavior (Ex: praise from parents, good grades from teachers, cheers from crowd, awards, ribbons, etc) Negative Sanctions: a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity (Ex: threat of getting car towed, ticket, imprisonment, death) Formal Sanction: reward/punishment given by a formal organization such as a school, business, or govt. (Ex: Negative – low grades, suspension, getting fired, fines; Positive – diploma, pay raise, promotion, award, medal) Informal Sanction: spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or a group (Ex: Positive – cheers, compliments, smiles, pats on the back, gifts; Negative – frowns, gossip, rebukes, insults, ridicule, ostracism) *The majority of norms are enforced informally; Informal sanctions are esp effective among teenagers

Norm Violation

Norm Violation Annual NY “No Pants Subway Day”