Cultural Variation

Diversity of Language: 220 different languages in the world today that have more than 2 million speakers There may be many dialects of the same basic language. Even people who speak the same language may have difficulty understanding each other. English: British English, American English, Australian English.

Some needs are so basic that all societies must develop certain features to ensure their fulfillment. These features, common to all cultures, are called cultural universals. Anthropologist George Murdock used research to compile a list of more than 65 cultural universals. List: (p. 31)

You should of already defined these… Ethnocentrism Cultural relativism Subculture

Studying Variation Social Scientists must be careful to remain critical of biases in their observations and conclusions. Ethnocentrism -The tendency to view one’s own culture and group as superior. -Some ethnocentrism helps to build unity. But we have to be careful. Extreme ethnocentrism can stagnate culture: by limiting the pool of acceptable members, groups and societies run the risk of excluding new influences that might prove beneficial.

Cultural Relativism -Cultures should be judged by their own standards. Not by the standards of another culture or group. -Cultural relativism helps sociologists and anthropologists understand practices that seem strange or different from those of their own culture.

Variation Within Societies -As an American you share a common culture with all other Americans. -Some groups in society share values, norms, and behaviors that are not shared by the entire population. The unique cultural characteristics of these groups form a subculture. -Ex.: deviant subcultures, age, gender, ethnic, religious, political, geographic, social class, occupational. Most subcultures do NOT present a threat to society. We depend on subcultures. -Sometimes subcultures are intended to challenge the values of the larger society. =Counterculture

Your assignment: Read pp in your text, in your notebook compare/contrast the Arapesh and the Mundugumor cultures. What might be the reason for some cultural differences between Canada and the United States?