Society is a system of inter-related relationships that connect individuals in regular relationships. Culture and society are interrelated. Culture is the social glue and a source of conformity among its individuals. .

Role of culture in “daily life” (cultural turn) is a renewed interest in sociology. The culture is the “tools” or “scripts” that we follow and we have multiple scripts for any given situation. The scripts help with conformity and with making behavior predictable.

Adaptation to the environment was the goal of early man (+2 million years ago) Develop tools, hunt & gather, use fire, cooperate, & communicate Compete with other species because of our enormous and complex brains and, ultimately, culture

Nature vs. Nurture debate How can we explain this? Nature vs. Nurture debate Edward O. Wilson – Sociobiology (biology determines behavior) Courtship behavior Sexual & reproductive behavior Sexual strategies for men and women What about violence and homosexuality? Social Darwinism (the evolution of social systems through natural selection and survival of the fittest)

Language is the mechanism that allows us to transmit culture! Cultural universals include: prohibitions against incest institution of marriage the family religion

Cultures and Societies are not static…they change and even disappear throughout history What do you think drives the changes in culture and society?

What do you suppose the cultures of ancient times were like? Consider Globalization and Modernization

Things to consider… What is modernization? How about the global village? The internet? Economics? Communications? Travel? Banking?