Culture Part III

High Culture & Pop Culture High Culture Cultural patterns that distinguish a society’s elite Popular Culture Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society’s population

High CulturePop Culture

Subculture Cultural patterns that set apart some segment of society’s population. E.g. JCP student culture, Mexican Americans, etc. Some subcultures can be classified as “out-groups” Others can be classified as deviants

Multiculturalism Perspective recognizing the cultural diversity of the U.S. and promoting equal standing for all cultural traditions. Contrast to U.S. historical narratives Establishment of hierarchies WASP’s on top Focus on Eurocentrism Dominance of European cultural patterns Downplay of other races or ethnicities E.g. English as the official language Afrocentrism Emphasis and promotion of African cultural patterns

Criticisms of Multiculturalism Divisive Urges people to identify only with their own category Ideas are evaluated according to race/ethnicity/sex/gender Hispanic experience, female experience, Asian experience, etc. Harms minorities Creates segregation Only allows for one point of view

Counterculture Cultural pattern that strongly opposes those widely accepted within a society. E.g. 60’s Counterculture

Cultural Change Culture changes according to: Invention Discovery Diffusion Tradition v. Progression Cultural lag Some cultural elements change more quickly than others, disrupting a cultural system /07/29/graphics- slideshow-changing- attitudes-on-gay-marriage/

Ethnocentrism The practice of judging another culture by the standards of one’s own culture. Known as what from groups and organizations? Evident in social interactions, language, and even maps! Cultural Relativism The practice of judging a culture by its own standards.

How has globalization led to cultural changes?