1. Module 11: Development of Culture around the World
Sociology in Modules
Richard T. Schaefer
3rd edition

2. Development of Culture around the World
Innovation: process of introducing a new idea or object to a culture
Discovery: making known or sharing existence of an aspect of reality
Invention: existing cultural items combined into form that did not exist before

3. Globalization, Diffusion, and Technology
Diffusion: process by which cultural item spreads from group to group
McDonaldization of society: process through which principles of fast-food industry dominate certain sectors of society
Technology: information about how to use material resources of the environment to satisfy human needs and desires (Nolan and Lenski)

4. Globalization, Diffusion, and Technology
Material culture: physical or technological aspects of daily lives
Nonmaterial culture: ways of using material objects
Culture lag: period of maladjustment when nonmaterial culture struggles to adapt to new material conditions

5. Sociology in the Global Community
11-1: Life in the Global Village
How are you affected by globalization? Which aspects of globalization do you find advantageous and which objectionable?
How would you feel if the customs and traditions you grew up with were replaced by the culture or values of another country? How might you try to protect your culture?

6. Sociology in the Global Community
11-2: Cultural Survival in Brazil
Compare the frontier in Brazil today to the American West in the 1800s. What similarities do you see?
What does society lose when indigenous cultures die?