Unit I Society and Culture

Objectives Students will be able to: Define culture Explain the characteristics of culture Illustrate the characteristics of culture Compare and contrast cultures Defend their knowledge of culture and it’s characteristics Create a concept map for culture

I. What is culture? The body of customary beliefs, material traits, and social forms that together constitute the distinct tradition of a group of people. Origin Latin “to care for” To care about To adore or worship something To take care of To nurse or look after something

II. Elements of Culture Social Organization When a culture organizes its members into smaller groups What might some smaller groups be in a culture? Family is the most important unit of social organization Nuclear family – husband, wife and children Extended family – several generations in one household Social Classes a way to rank people in order of status What can social class be based on?

II. Elements of Culture Customs and Traditions Language Rules of behavior (written and unwritten) What are some examples of customs and traditions in culture? Language Important for communication and passing on traditions and beliefs Should English be the official language of the United States?

II. Elements of Culture Arts and Literature Religion Teach about a culture’s values Promote cultural pride and unity What some examples in America of arts and literature that promote values, pride, and unity? Religion Monotheism – belief in one god Polytheism – belief in more than one god Henotheism - belief in one god without denying the existence of others What examples of religion in the United States?

II. Elements of Culture Forms of Government People form governments to provide for their common needs Types Democracy: people have supreme power Republic: people choose leaders to represent them Dictatorship: a ruler or group holds power by force

II. Elements of Culture Economic systems Four types Traditional: people produce most of what they need to survive Market: basic economic questions are answered by buying/selling goods and services Command: government controls answers to economic questions Mixed: individuals make some economic decisions, the government makes others What type of economic system does the United States utilize? Explain.

III. Ways cultures change Technology Environment changes New ideas Diffusion - movement of customs and ideas from one place to another

IV. Impacts on culture Ethnocentrism Racism Judging other cultures by the standards of your own Assuming your own culture to be the best Racism Belief that one racial group is naturally superior to another Race is a culture thing. It does not actually, physically exist

Assignment Create a concept map of culture Language Social Organizations Culture Use the examples we generated in class, and create some of your own. BE CREATIVE!