How might someone from outside our culture explain these images? BELLWORK Look at the pictures. How might someone from outside our culture explain these images? Agenda Bellwork What is Culture? 3.1 & 3.2 9/11

What is Culture... CULTURE: The objects, beliefs, values and behaviors shared by a group. MATERIAL CULTURE: The physical objects people create and use. “Stuff”. NONMATERIAL CULTURE: The abstract human creations passed from generation to generation. “Thoughts & Practices” EXAMPLES: Tools, cars, buildings, clothing, computers, books… EXAMPLES: Beliefs, family patterns, ideas, language, politics, economics, rules, skills…

Components of Culture TECHNOLOGY Culture is both learned and shared. Everyone in the U.S. does not have the same culture, but most Americans choose from the same set of cultural elements. TECHNOLOGY The combination of objects and rules for using them. Using tools requires knowledge (nonmaterial culture). EXAMPLES: Knowing how to make a piece of stone into an arrowhead. Knowing how to surf the internet. Sociologists also focus on the rules of acceptable behavior for material items. EXAMPLES: Using your new spear to hunt—not to kill your neighbor. Using the internet to conduct research—not to hack into your neighbors bank account.

The means by which culture is created & communicated. Components of Culture Culture is both learned and shared. Everyone in the U.S. does not have the same culture, but most Americans choose from the same set of cultural elements. SYMBOLS The means by which culture is created & communicated. A word, image, gesture, sound, object, event that has a recognizable meaning. EXAMPLES: Symbols vary from culture to culture, but all cultures do have symbols.

Components of Culture LANGUAGE Culture is both learned and shared. Everyone in the U.S. does not have the same culture, but most Americans choose from the same set of cultural elements. LANGUAGE A standardized system of written or spoken symbols. When organized according to accepted rules of grammar, words express complex ideas. Some cultures may use different languages for different purposes. For example, Latin is used in medicine and science while English is the language of business around the world. A culture’s language can teach much about its values, beliefs and history.

Shared beliefs about what is right/wrong, good/bad. Components of Culture Culture is both learned and shared. Everyone in the U.S. does not have the same culture, but most Americans choose from the same set of cultural elements. VALUES Shared beliefs about what is right/wrong, good/bad. The types of values held by a group help determine the character of its people and the kind of culture they create. Cultures may value war, peace, cooperation, individuality… Values are the core beliefs of a culture and are extremely resistant to change.

NORMS Components of Culture Culture is both learned and shared. Everyone in the U.S. does not have the same culture, but most Americans choose from the same set of cultural elements. NORMS Shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations. The existence of norms does not guarantee they will always be followed. Example: Norms tell us to be financially responsible, but debt is a major problem. Norms have a wide range of importance. From how to yawn to not committing murder. Some norms only apply to certain people. Examples: children and clergy can’t marry; killing is acceptable for soldiers. Sociologists distinguish between two types of norms. FOLKWAYS Acceptable behaviors without moral significance. The common customs of everyday life. May receive minor punishment if broken. EXAMPLES: shaking hands, table manners, holding a door, waiting your turn Mores Norms with great social significance. Violation endangers social stability. These are formalized as laws (some laws enforce folkways too). EXAMPLES: arson, murder, theft, racism, terrorism, kidnapping, treason