Culture

Values

Basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate attitudes or actions. They help us to determine what is important to us. Values in a narrow sense is that which is good, desirable, or worthwhile.

Norms

Defines how to behave in accordance with what society defines as good, right and important. This is also a component of non-material culture.

cultural imperialism

Deliberate imposition of ones own cultural values on another culture. (Viewing other cultures as uneducated or poor/needy.)

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Idea that people view their world through their language. One culture did not have a word for left or right but instead used more directional words like southeast or northwest. As a result that person viewed themselves in a birds eye view.

Non-material Culture

Ideas, attitudes and beliefs of a society. Material and non-material culture are linked, Physical objects symbolize cultural ideas.

Ethnocentrism

Involves a belief or attitude that ones own culture is better than all others. Example: Americans say that England drives on the "wrong" side of the road instead of saying the "other" side,

Culture

Learned set of practices, beliefs, values, rules for proper conduct and material objects that are shared by members of society.

Taboo

Norm so strongly ingrained it is considered intolerable. (Rarely need laws because we self police)> Example: cannibalism, incest.

Material Culture

Physical objects particular to a group of people

Cultural relativism

Practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of ones own culture. (To be open-minded and willingness to consider/adopt to new values and norms of the culture).

Language

Symbolic system through which people communicate and through which culture is transmitted. Rules for speaking varies within cultures. Example: Some say pop, soda or coke. Cannot understand culture fully without speaking their language.

Xencentrism

The belief that another culture is superior to ones own. Sometimes people try to accept other cultures and avoid feelings of ethnocentrism and end up swinging too far on the end of the spectrum.

Counter Culture

Type of subculture that rejects some of the larger dominant cultures norms and values. Defies larger society by developing own set of rules and norms to live by. Example: Goths, Amish

Folkways

are the customs or conventions of everyday life. They are a type of social norm -- expectations for how we act. Specify whether to shake hands or kiss on cheek. Specify whether to wear a tie or a tee shirt to an event.

Mores

are unwritten cultural norms that are more deeply ingrained. Violating them can cause serious consequences and can be seen as shameful and shunned. Example: plagiarism receives harsh consequences.

High Culture

cultural patterns that distinguish a society's elite and class. Associate with intellect, political power, prestige and wealth. Example expensive restaurants that serve caviar and play classical music.

Cultural diffusion

culture spreads and incorporate in our owns culture. Example: Michael Jackson's music so all over the world. Yoga was introduced in America. McDonalds is all over the world.

Symbols

gestures or objects that have meanings associated with them that are recognized by people who share a culture. American flag symbolizes freedom in our country. Sports uniforms, cop badges symbolize authority and law enforcement.

Pop Culture

patter of cultural experiences and attitudes that exist in mainstream society. Example: Baseball games, parades, pop music.

Cultural Universals

patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies. Example: Family. Every culture recognizes a family structure that regulates sexual reproduction and care of kids.

Subculture

smaller cultural group within a larger culture; people of a subculture are part of larger culture but also share specific identity within smaller group. Operates smoothly within the culture. Example: Stoners, fans of hip hop, gym rats

Beliefs

tenets or convictions that people hold to be true. This can go hand in hand with values. We believe in the American dream and this belief is an American value that wealth is good.

Dominant Culture

the values, and practices of the group that is most powerful in terms of wealth, prestige, status, and influences-Culture that is considered to be the norm.