Culture Unit 3

What is culture? O The shared products of human groups. O Physical objects make up material culture. Ex: cars, books, buildings, clothes, computers, cooking utensils O Abstract human creations form a groups non-material culture. O Ex:, skills, family patterns, ideas, language, political ideology, rules, ideas

What is the difference between society and culture? O Society consists of people, and culture consists of material and non-material products that people make.

Describe American Culture O 1. O 2. O 3. O 4. O 5. O 6. O 7.

Components of Culture 1. Technology 2. Symbols 3. Language 4. Values 5. Norms

Technology O A society’s culture not only consists of physical objects but also the rules for using those objects. O Using physical objects requires skill which is a part of non-material culture.

Technology O XK_w XK_w

Explain the previous clip O 1. Using symbolic interactionist perspective. O 2. Using functionalist perspective. O 3. Using conflict perspective.

Symbols O Symbols are the basis of human culture O All humans use symbols to communicate O A symbol is anything that represents something else.

The sociology of the hand shake O Types: O Functionalist- O Symbolic Interaction O Conflict Theory

Language O One of the obvious aspects of any culture is language. O When organized by accepted rules of grammar, words can be used to express any idea.

Values O Shared beliefs about what is desirable, right or wrong, good or bad. O In a rite of passage, some Nigerian girls spend months gaining weight and O learning customs in a special room. “To be called a ‘slim princess’ is an O abuse,” says a defender of the practice.

Norms O Shared rules of conduct that reinforce values. O Some norms are formalized as written rules. O Others are taught through socialization at school and home.

Three types of Norms 1. Folkways- address acceptable behavior but do not have moral significance. Ex: Using the wrong fork 2. Mores- address acceptable behavior with great moral consequence. Ex: Killing someone. 3. Laws- address unacceptable behavior enforced by government.

How to break norms… O – HAVE A ANIMATED CONVERSATION WITH YOURSELF IN PUBLIC O – LOOK UP ALL THE TIME O – SAY HELLO TO EVERYONE O – WHEN PEOPLE ASK YOU HOW YOU ARE DOING, TELL THEM ABOUT YOUR WHOLE DAY O – WEAR YOUR CLOTHES BACKWARDS O – DON’T TAKE YOUR HAT, COAT, & GLOVES OFF, EVEN INSIDE. O – VIOLATE PEOPLE’S PERSONAL SPACE O – WHISPER TO WHEN YOU TALK O – YELL WHEN YOU TALK O – ASK STRANGERS IF YOU CAN CUT IN LINE. IF THEY ASK WHY YOU NEED TO, THEN SAY YOU DON’T REALLY FEEL LIKE WAITING FOR VERY LONG. O – AT YOUR PARENTS HOME ASK FOR PERMISSION TO DO EVERYTHING (GET A DRINK, USE THE BATHROOM, WATCH TV, ETC)

Cultural Universals O Features that are common to all human cultures: O 1. Arts and leisure O 2. Basic needs O 3. Beliefs O 4. Communication and education O 5. Family O 6. Government and economy O 7. Technology

Cultural Variations O Just as culture varies from place to place. There are also variations with in cultures. O Subculture- a group with its own unique values, norms, and behaviors with in a larger culture. O Counterculture- a group that rejects the values, norms and behaviors of the larger society and replaces them with a new set of cultural paterns.

How does culture change? O Cultural diffusion- spreading of cultural ideas. O Cultural lag- time between changes O Cultural leveling- the process towards global culture.

Functionalist Perspective O Culture enforces society’s central values. O It encourages harmony and stability. O Sub cultures diffuse discontent of sub groups. O Ethnocentrism encourages group solidarity.

Conflict Perspective O Culture reflects and enforces the values of those who hold power. O It encourages and maintains social inequality. O Subcultures and Countercultures challenge those in power. O Ethnocentrism encourages discrimination against the powerless.

Symbolic Interactionist O Culture is maintained and modified through everyday social interaction. O Interaction between subculture groups help introduce new cultural meaning systems.

Review Questions O 1.What is the difference between material and non- material culture? O 2. How are folkways and mores different? Give an example. O 3. What is subculture? O 4. What perspective says that culture reflects and enforces society’s central values? O 5. Why does cultural lag exist? O 6. Why does material culture change more rapidly than non-material culture? O 7. OPINION: Is cultural leveling a good or bad thing? Is it good for cultures to become more alike? Give real life examples.