Chapter 3 - Culture Section 1 – The Basis of Culture Section 2 – Language and Culture Section 3 – Norms and Values Section 4 – Beliefs and Material Culture Section 5 – Cultural Diversity and Similarity

Section 1 – The Basis of Culture Objective: Explain how culture and heredity affect social behavior.

Culture and Society Culture consists of knowledge, language, values, customs and physical objects that are passed from generation to generation.Culture consists of knowledge, language, values, customs and physical objects that are passed from generation to generation. Culture helps to explain human social behaviorCulture helps to explain human social behavior What people do and don’t do, what they like and dislike, what they believe and don’t believe and what they value and discount are all based on culture.What people do and don’t do, what they like and dislike, what they believe and don’t believe and what they value and discount are all based on culture. Culture and society are tightly interwovenCulture and society are tightly interwoven –Society is a group of people who live in a defined territory and participate in a common culture.

Culture and Heredity Instincts are genetically inherited patterns of behavior.Instincts are genetically inherited patterns of behavior. Nonhuman animals are highly dependent on instincts.Nonhuman animals are highly dependent on instincts. Instincts are not enough to solve the problems that humans face.Instincts are not enough to solve the problems that humans face.

Why is culture more important than instinct in determining human behavior? If humans were controlled alone by instincts, they would all behave in the same way. Without instincts, humans are forced to create and learn their own ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.If humans were controlled alone by instincts, they would all behave in the same way. Without instincts, humans are forced to create and learn their own ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

How does heredity affect behavior? Genetic inheritance plays a role in human behaviorGenetic inheritance plays a role in human behavior Using studies with identical twins, researchers have estimated that about half of you personality comes from genetic makeup and half from the environment.Using studies with identical twins, researchers have estimated that about half of you personality comes from genetic makeup and half from the environment. In addition, humans have reflexes – simple, biologically, inherited reactions to stimuliIn addition, humans have reflexes – simple, biologically, inherited reactions to stimuli We also have biologically inherited drives, or impulses, to reduce discomfort.We also have biologically inherited drives, or impulses, to reduce discomfort.

Sociobiology Sociobiology is the study of the biological basis of human behavior.Sociobiology is the study of the biological basis of human behavior. It combines Darwin’s Theory of natural selection and modern genetics.It combines Darwin’s Theory of natural selection and modern genetics.

How do socio-biologists view human behavior? Socio-biologists assume that the behaviors that best help people are biologically based and transmitted in the genetic code.Socio-biologists assume that the behaviors that best help people are biologically based and transmitted in the genetic code. Behaviors that would contribute to the survival of the human species include parental affection and care, friendship, sexual reproduction, and the education of children.Behaviors that would contribute to the survival of the human species include parental affection and care, friendship, sexual reproduction, and the education of children.

What are some criticisms of sociobiology? The major criticism of sociobiology is that the importance placed on genetics could be used as justification to label specific races as superior or inferior.The major criticism of sociobiology is that the importance placed on genetics could be used as justification to label specific races as superior or inferior. There is too much variation in societies around the world for human behavior to be explained strictly on biological grounds.There is too much variation in societies around the world for human behavior to be explained strictly on biological grounds. Humans have created a social life that goes far beyond what heredity alone could accomplish.Humans have created a social life that goes far beyond what heredity alone could accomplish.

Section 2 – Language and Culture Objective: Describe how language and culture are related

What are symbols? Symbols – things that stand for or represent something else.Symbols – things that stand for or represent something else. –Symbols range from physical objects to sounds, smells, and tastes.

How are language and culture related? Language frees humans from the time and place.Language frees humans from the time and place. –It allows us to create culture. Equipped with language, humans can pass their experiences, ideas, and knowledge to others. This process of social learning applies to other cultural patterns as well, such as eating, showing patriotism, or staying awake in class.

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis According to Edward Sapir (1929), and Benjamin Whorf (1956) language is our guide to realityAccording to Edward Sapir (1929), and Benjamin Whorf (1956) language is our guide to reality –How we think about a thing relates to the number and complexity of words available to describe that thing. –In effect, our perceptions of the world depend in part on the particular language we have learned. –Since languages differ, perceptions differ as well.

Section 3 – Norms and Values Objective: Name the essential components of culture

Norms: The Rules We Live By Norms are rules defining appropriate and n appropriate behavior.Norms are rules defining appropriate and n appropriate behavior. –Way of behaving in specific situations –Norms help to explain why people in a society or group behave similarly in similar circumstances. William Graham (1906) was an early sociologist who wrote about normsWilliam Graham (1906) was an early sociologist who wrote about norms –Said anything can be considered appropriate when norms approve of it. –Norms are so ingrained they guide behavior without our awareness. –Norms range from relatively minor rules, such as the idea that we should applaud at a performance, to extremely important ones, such as laws against stealing.

Folkways, Mores and Laws Sumner identified three basic types of norms: folkways, mores and laws.Sumner identified three basic types of norms: folkways, mores and laws.

What are folkways? Rules that cover customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, but lack moral overtones are called folkways.Rules that cover customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, but lack moral overtones are called folkways. –Ex: sleeping in a bed, rather than sleeping on the floor Because folkways are not considered vital to group welfare, disapproval of those who break them is not very great.Because folkways are not considered vital to group welfare, disapproval of those who break them is not very great. Those who consistently violate folkways may appear odd, but we do not consider them wicked or immoral.Those who consistently violate folkways may appear odd, but we do not consider them wicked or immoral.

What are mores? The term more is based on the word morality.The term more is based on the word morality. –Morality deals with conduct related to right and wrong –Mores are norms of great moral significance. They are vital to the well-being of societyThey are vital to the well-being of society Conformity to mores draws strong social approval ; violation of this type of norm brings strong social disapproval.Conformity to mores draws strong social approval ; violation of this type of norm brings strong social disapproval. –Conformity to mores is a social requirement –The most serious mores are taboos Taboo – a norm so strong that its violation demands punishment by the groupTaboo – a norm so strong that its violation demands punishment by the group

How do laws differ from mores? The third type of norm is law.The third type of norm is law. –Laws are norms that are formally defined and enforced by officials Laws are created and enforcedLaws are created and enforced –Some mores can become law, for example banning smoking. –Not all mores become laws, for example cheating on a test.

Enforcing the Rules People do not automatically conform to norms.People do not automatically conform to norms. Norms must be learned and accepted.Norms must be learned and accepted. Groups teach norms, in part, through the use of sanctions.Groups teach norms, in part, through the use of sanctions. Sanctions are rewards and punishments used to encourage conformity to norms.Sanctions are rewards and punishments used to encourage conformity to norms. They can be formal or informalThey can be formal or informal

What are formal sanctions? Formal sanctions are sanctions that may be applied only by officially designated persons, such as judges or teachers.Formal sanctions are sanctions that may be applied only by officially designated persons, such as judges or teachers. –Formal sanctions can take on the form of positive as well as negative

What are informal sanctions? Informal sanctions are sanctions that can be applied by most members of a group.Informal sanctions are sanctions that can be applied by most members of a group. They, too, can be both positive and negative.They, too, can be both positive and negative. –Sanctions are not used randomly or without reason. –Specific sanctions are associated with specific norms –W may conform to norms because we believe that the behavior expected of us is appropriate, because we wish to avoid guilt feelings, or because we fear disapproval.

Values – The Basis for Norms What are values?What are values? –Values are broad ideas about what most people in a society consider to be desirable. –Values are so general that they do not dictate precise ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Why are values so important? Values have a tremendous influence on human social behavior because they form the basis for norms. Values have a tremendous influence on human social behavior because they form the basis for norms. Vales are also important because they are so general that they are involved in most aspects of daily life.Vales are also important because they are so general that they are involved in most aspects of daily life.

Basic Values in the United States The United States is home to many different groups. No single set of values is likely to hold across the entire country. Sociologist Robin Williams identified important values that guide the daily lives of most people in the USThe United States is home to many different groups. No single set of values is likely to hold across the entire country. Sociologist Robin Williams identified important values that guide the daily lives of most people in the US –Achievement and success –Activity and work –Efficiency and practicality –Equality –Democracy –Group Superiority

Section 4 – Beliefs and Material Culture Objective: Students will distinguish between nonmaterial,material, ideal and real culture and will discuss how cultural diversity is promoted within a society.

Beliefs and Physical Objects The nonmaterial culture involves beliefs, ideas, and knowledge.The nonmaterial culture involves beliefs, ideas, and knowledge. –The material culture is about how we relate to physical objects.

Why do beliefs matter? Beliefs are ideas about the nature of reality.Beliefs are ideas about the nature of reality. –They can be true and false Beliefs are important because people base their behavior on what they believe, regardless of how true or false the beliefs areBeliefs are important because people base their behavior on what they believe, regardless of how true or false the beliefs are

What is material culture? Material culture consists of concrete tangible objects within a culture – automobiles, basketballs, chairs, highways, art…..Material culture consists of concrete tangible objects within a culture – automobiles, basketballs, chairs, highways, art….. These physical objects have no meaning or use apart from the meanings people give them.These physical objects have no meaning or use apart from the meanings people give them.

How is material culture related to nonmaterial culture? The cultural meaning of physical objects is not determined by the physical characteristics of the objects.The cultural meaning of physical objects is not determined by the physical characteristics of the objects.

Ideal and Real Culture A gap sometimes exists between cultural guidelines and actual behavior.A gap sometimes exists between cultural guidelines and actual behavior. The gap is captured in the concepts of ideal and real culture.The gap is captured in the concepts of ideal and real culture. Ideal culture refers to cultural guidelines publicly embraced by members of a society.Ideal culture refers to cultural guidelines publicly embraced by members of a society. Real culture refers to actual behavior patterns, which often conflict with these guidelines.Real culture refers to actual behavior patterns, which often conflict with these guidelines.

Section 5 – Cultural Diversity and Similarity Objective: Students will compare and contrast cultural norms among subculture groups and will present projects and activities summarizing objective/s learned in the chapter.

Why does culture change? Culture changes for three reasons:Culture changes for three reasons: –One cause is discovery, the process of finding something that already exists. –Culture is also changed through invention, the creation of something new. –A third cause of cultural change is diffusion, the borrowing of aspects of culture from other culture.

Cultural Diversity Cultural diversity exists in all societies. Some diversity is a result of social categories – groups that share a social characteristics such as age, gender, or religion.Cultural diversity exists in all societies. Some diversity is a result of social categories – groups that share a social characteristics such as age, gender, or religion. Certain behaviors are associated with particular ages, genders, or religions.Certain behaviors are associated with particular ages, genders, or religions.

What are subcultures and countercultures? Cultural diversity also comes from groups that differ in particular ways from the larger cultureCultural diversity also comes from groups that differ in particular ways from the larger culture These groups participate in the larger culture.These groups participate in the larger culture. But, these groups have some ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that set them apart.But, these groups have some ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that set them apart. Such groups – known as subcultures and countercultures – are found in large, complex societies.Such groups – known as subcultures and countercultures – are found in large, complex societies.

Subculture is part of the dominant culture but differs from it in some important aspects.Subculture is part of the dominant culture but differs from it in some important aspects. Counterculture is a subculture deliberately and consciously opposed to certain central beliefs or attitudes of the dominant culture.Counterculture is a subculture deliberately and consciously opposed to certain central beliefs or attitudes of the dominant culture. A counterculture can be understood only within the context of the opposition.A counterculture can be understood only within the context of the opposition.

Ethnocentrism Once people learn their culture, they become strongly committed to it.Once people learn their culture, they become strongly committed to it. They may judge others in terms of their own cultural standards – a practice known as ethnocentrism.They may judge others in terms of their own cultural standards – a practice known as ethnocentrism.

Cultural Universals Although it my seem that different cultures have little in common, researchers have identified more than seventy common cultural traits.Although it my seem that different cultures have little in common, researchers have identified more than seventy common cultural traits. These cultural universals are traits that exist in all cultures.These cultural universals are traits that exist in all cultures. –They includes things such a sports, cooking, courtship, division of labor, education, etiquette, funeral rites, family, government, hospitality, housing, inheritance rules, joking, language, medicine, marriage, mourning, music, property rights, religious rituals, sexual restrictions, status differences, and tool making.

How are cultural universals expressed? Cultural Universals are not always carried out the same way.Cultural Universals are not always carried out the same way. Different cultures have developed different ways to express universals.Different cultures have developed different ways to express universals. These are called cultural particulars.These are called cultural particulars.