Cultural Diversity Sociology Chapter 2
What is Culture? Definition: All the shared products of human groups
Culture can be divided into 2 categories: Material : things such as clothing, books, cooking utensils Non-material: creations that can not be touched such as beliefs, ideas, language, rules
What is society versus culture? Society: definition is a group of interdependent people organized with common culture and unity Culture- things people create both material and non- material SOCIETY= PEOPLE and CULTURE= THINGS
Components of Culture
Technology Definition: combination of objects and rules to use those objects
Symbols Definition: Anything that represents something else Example- any word gesture, image.. Everyone in the society must recognize the symbol to be effective
Language Definition: organization of written or spoken symbols Rules of grammar Primary means of communication
Values Definition: shared beliefs about what is good or bad; right or wrong Values are shared from generation to generation Societies may have different values One may value conflict; another compromise
Norms Definition: shared rules of conduct Created by society to enforce cultural values
2 types of Norms: Folkways and Mores 1. Folkways- socially acceptable behavior with no moral significance. Example- get to class on time or don’t butt in line. May result in a reprimand or minor punishment
2. Mores (pronounced mor-ayz) Behavior with a moral importance Violation of mores may endanger society Ex. Fraud, murder, dishonesty Bigger and harsher consequences Some mores are also laws which is a written mores and will be enforced by the government
High Culture