Chapter 3 CULTURAL CONFORMITY &ADAPTATION

SECTION 1: THE AMERICAN VALUE SYSTEM Certain values are shared by the majority of Americans Robin Williams outlined a set of 15 values that are central to the American way of life

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT Value because our nation was built on individualism and competition Most evident in the area of employment Usually measured in terms of wealth and power

WORK Value regardless of the rewards involved Seen as a sign of virtue People who choose not to work are viewed as lazy or immoral

MORALITY AND HUMANITARIANISM U.S. was founded upon strong religious faith Also was founded upon a belief in justice & equality Most Americans view the world in terms of right & wrong (morality) They are also quick to help those in need (humanitarianism)

EFFICIENCY & PRACTICALITY Americans tend to believe that every problem has a solution We tend to judge items based on their usefulness (practicality) and people on their ability to get things done (efficiency)

PROGRESS & MATERIAL COMFORT We tend to believe that with hard work and determination life will continue to improve (progress) We believe in the ability of science to make the world a better & more comfortable place (material comfort)

EQUALITY & DEMOCRACY U.S. was founded upon the principle of equality Americans believe that democracy is the best form of government

FREEDOM Americans value freedom of personal choice and freedom from direct government interference in people’s daily lives and business dealings

SELF-FULFILLMENT A commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talents, and potential Significant new value that has emerged in the U.S. Some scientist view this as harmful –Christopher Lasch: wrote The Culture of Narcissism Extreme self-centeredness

Social Control Every society develops norms that reflect values its members consider important Norms must be upheld for society to run smoothly Two basic means through which norms are enforced: –Internalization –Sanctions

Internalization of Norms When we believe a norm is good, useful, etc. we generally follow it and expect others to do the same We make norms so much a part of who we are we don’t even have to think about it… we JUST DO IT

Sanctions When we don’t internalize norms we sometimes have to be motivated by sanctions. Two types of sanctions: –Positive: –Negative: Each of these can be Formal or Informal

Social Control Enforcing norms through sanctions or internalization. Agents of social control include: –A–Authority figures –P–Police –C–Courts –R–Religion –F–Family

Sources of Social Change Values & Beliefs –Ideology –Social Movement Technology Discovery –Invention Population Diffusion Physical Environment Wars & Conquest

Resistance to Change Ethnocentrism Cultural Lag Vested Interests