1. C ULTURE What is culture?

2. W HAT IS C ULTURE ? Language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that constitute a people’s way of life Learned through social interaction, not biologically determined Passed from one generation to the next Culture often changes and evolves over time

3. V ALUES AND NORMS Values: the standards by which people define what is desirable or undesirable, good/bad, beautiful/ ugly. Guides choices, preferences, and indicates what people hold worthwhile in life. Example: Americans value democracy…norms ensure personal freedom. Norms: the expectations, or rules of behavior, that develop out of a group’s values. Example: free speech and religion

4. T YPES OF N ORMS Folkways: Not strictly enforced Expect people to comply, but no biggie if they don’t Take off hat at dinner, support school activities Mores: Strictly enforced because they are thought to be essential to core values or well- being of the group Do not steal, kill; be dressed in public Can lead to prison, punishment Taboo: Often brings revulsion if violated Eating human flesh, incest, etc… Leads to prison, punishment, banishment, death

5. S ANCTIONS Sanctions: Reactions people get for follow- ing or breaking norms Positive Sanction: Approval for following a norm Prize, trophy, money, hug, smile, pat on back, handshakes, high fives Negative Sanction: Disapproval for breaking a norm Fines, harsh words, frowns, stares, clenched jaws, raised fists, gestures