Intro Sociology Ch 3 (Culture) openstax

high culture

the cultural patterns of a society's elite

ethnocentrism

the evaluation and judgment of another culture based on one's own cultural norms

culture lag

the gap of time between the introduction of material culture and nonmaterial culture's acceptance of it

globalization

the integration of international trade and finance markets

mores

the moral views and principles of a group

example of cultural lag

the period of adaptation when automobiles became faster and more efficient. It took some time for society to start building infrastructure that would tailor mainly to the new, more efficient, vehicles.

popular culture

mainstream, widespread patterns among a society's population

beliefs

tenets or convictions that people hold to be true

values and beliefs

- value are a standard for discerning what is good and just (wealth is good and important)- beliefs are the convictions people hold to be true (American Dream)

The major difference between invention and discovery is:

-Invention is based on technology, whereas discovery is usually based on culture -Discovery involves finding items that already exists, but invention puts things together in a new way -Invention refers to material culture, whereas discovery can be material or theoretic, like laws of physics

components of culture

1. values and beliefs 2. norms 3. symbols 4. language

Consider some of the specific issues or concerns of your generation. Are any ideas or concepts countercultural? What subcultures have emerged from your generation? How have the issues of your generation expressed themselves culturally? How has your generation made its mark on society's collective culture?

A subculture is just a smaller cultural group within a larger culture; people of a subculture are part of the larger culture but also share a specific identity within a smaller group. Thousands of subcultures exist within my generation today. Examples of subcultures include the hippies, hipsters, cosplay, hip hop, punks, emos, and goths. Many of the issues of our generation are expressed through media, and our generation has definitely made its mark on society's collective culture through its digital footprint as well

folkways

direct, appropriate behavior in the day-to-day practices and expressions of a culture traditions ex. the way we greet someone-handshake or kiss on the cheek etc.

Which of the following statements is a good example of cultural lag? a. a slowing in the rate of invention in the computer industry b. gaining the ability to modify genetic patterns before understanding the possible social consequences c. older people trying to make younger people respect tradition d. virtual culture replacing traditional culture

Correct Answer gaining the ability to modify genetic patterns before understanding the possible social consequences

The American flag is a material object that denotes the United States of America; however, there are certain connotations that many associate with the flag, like bravery and freedom. In this example, what are bravery and freedom? a. Symbols b. Language c. Material culture d. Nonmaterial culture

D. Nonmaterial culture

Do you believe that feelings of ethnocentricity or xenocentric attitudes and practices are prevalent in U.S. culture? Why do you believe this? What issues or events might influence your ideas about these concepts?

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge another culture by the standards of one's own culture. Ethnocentrism usually entails the notion that one's own culture is superior to everyone else's. Example: Americans tend to value technological advancement, industrialization, and the accumulation of wealth. An American, applying his or her own standards to a culture that does not value those things, may view that culture as "primitive" or "uncivilized." Such labels are not just statements but judgments: they imply that it is better to be urbanized and industrialized than it is to carry on another kind of lifestyle.

Both subcultures and countercultures live outside the cultural patterns of society. True False

False

Society can be defined as shared beliefs, values, and practices. True False

False

functionalism theory on technology

Functionalism sees the contribution that technology and media provide to the stability of society, from facilitating leisure time to increasing productivity. Conflict theorists are more concerned with how technology reinforces inequalities among communities, both within and among countries. They also look at how media typically give voice to the most powerful, and how new media might offer tools to help those who are disenfranchised.

Examine the difference between material and nonmaterial culture in your world. Identify ten objects that are part of your regular cultural experience. For each, then identify what aspects of nonmaterial culture (values, beliefs, norms, language, and practices) that these objects represent. What has this exercise revealed to you about your culture?

Material and non material culture have similarities and difference, but the bulk of the essay is on differences. Material Culture consist of everything that is part of our society. Non material culture are values, beliefs, behaviors, and social norms. 1. Dogs 2. Family. 3. Christianity 4.Cars 5. Television 6. Xbox 7. Work 8. School 9. sports. 10. Race. Dogs are social animals that provide, protection, and company for owners. However, some cultures do not support owning dogs, instead dogs are killed and used as a source of food. Family consist of relatives of the same household. Family is suppose to be there for one another during the ups and downs of life, and support ones dreams.

What is social influence in culture?

Social influence comprises the ways in which individuals adjust their behavior to meet the demands of a social environment. It takes many forms and can be seen in conformity, socialization, peer pressure, obedience, leadership, persuasion, sales, and marketing-Social influence generally refers to processes whereby an individual's beliefs, opinions, attitudes, values, and behaviors are affected by other(s) through social interaction.-Sociocultural factors influence people's feelings, values, beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and interactions. Examples include social classes, religious beliefs, wealth distribution, language, business practices, social values, customer preferences, social organization, and attitude towards work.

how do conflict theorists view social problems

Social problems arise from fundamental faults in the structure of a society and both reflect and reinforce inequalities based on social class, race, gender, and other dimensions. Successful solutions to social problems must involve far-reaching change in the structure of society.

symbolic interactionist theory on technology

Technology itself may act as a symbol for many. The kind of computer you own, the kind of car you drive, your ability to afford the latest Apple product—these serve as a social indicator of wealth and status. Neo-Luddites are people who see technology as symbolizing the coldness and alienation of modern life. But for technophiles, technology symbolizes the potential for a brighter future. For those adopting an ideological middle ground, technology might symbolize status (in the form of a massive flat-screen television) or failure (ownership of a basic old mobile phone with no bells or whistles). -Symbolic interactionists see the symbolic uses of technology as signs of everything from a sterile futuristic world to a successful professional life.

society examples of symbolic interactionism.

The American flag to some is a symbol of freedom, hope, and pride. However, for others, the American flag can be seen as a symbol of oppression. Depending on your interaction with the American flag, the meaning behind it will be different. -Gender can be understood through symbolic interactionism because gender is a sociological construct. For example, for the symbols attached to "males" and "females", actions and looks are based on what is believed is true from your interactions rather than what is objectively true. For example, women might be seen as weaker than men. A man wearing a dress might be seen as feminine. These problematic attributes lead to inequality and biases such as women getting paid less than men in the workforce. -While everyone knows what the letters 'dog' means, a canine animal, the meaning the word holds for you is subjective. based on your interactions good or bad. Therefore, your interactions color the symbolic meanings assigned to words, objects, thoughts, events, and people. .

What do you think of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis? Do you agree or disagree with it? Cite examples or research to support your point of view.

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is based on the idea that people experience their world through their language, and that they therefore understand their world through the culture embedded in their language. -One big problem with the original Sapir-Whorf hypothesis derives from the idea that if a person's language has no word for a specific concept, then that person would not understand that concept -According to the weak version, the language does influence to some extent the way we think and view the real world, however, does not fully determine or constraint it.

Identify several examples of popular culture and describe how they form societal culture. How prevalent is the effect of these examples in your everyday life?

The most common forms of popular culture are movies, music, television, video games, sports, entertainment news, fashion, and various forms of technology-it is everywhere in in everything we see-It affects people cognitively (how they think), emotionally (how they feel) and behaviorally (what they do). -community aimed at body modification embraces and promotes aesthetic additions to the body such as piercings and tattoos, and plastic surgeries. These procedures are not just used recreationally but are used medically such as performing plastic surgery to repair structural abnormalities from birth and remove birthmarks, cancerous tissues, and marks of extensive burns. Thus, a subculture or popular culture of body modification unites distinct racial and ethnic groups on the basis of shared values and experiences and thereby informs a larger culture of the utility as well as the aesthetic beauty of these procedures. Also, it instills a sense of empowerment in individuals regarding what they can do with their bodies and modify and change and encourage self-appreciation and acceptance.

How would the elimination of a social "norm" influence your culture? Describe the positive and negative effects.

The term 'culture' refers to attitudes and patterns of behavior in a given group. 'Norm' refers to attitudes and behaviors that are considered normal, typical or average within that group. All societies have cultural norms. -Without breaking norms, we may not be able to solve problems in society and prompt positive social change. -Sometimes social norms help people behave in ways that keep themselves - and others - safe and healthy. (boyfriend/girlfriend relationship toxic-gets feedback from friends relationships-breaks up with partner b/c not considered normal relationship) -Other times, social norms can have the opposite effect, and can lead people to behave in harmful ways. (ex. woman yelling at a young boy and violently shaking him by the shoulders. The man wants to stop her, but he looks around and sees that the other parents and caregivers are looking away from the woman, trying to 'mind their own business.' He doesn't want to do something that the others will disapprove of, so he does nothing.)

Functionalists believe that cultural values and norms are necessary to support the fluid working of society and meet its members' needs. True False

True

Technology is key in the spread of both material and nonmaterial culture that contributes to globalization. True False

True

inventions

a combination of pieces of existing reality into new forms

values

a culture's standard for discerning what is good and just in society

cultural change

a major shift in the norms, values, attitudes, and mindset of the entire organization. - innovation- cultural lag- globalization- diffusion (the spread of material and nonmaterial culture)

language

a symbolic system of communication

sanctions

a way to authorize or formally disapprove of certain behaviors

social control

a way to encourage conformity to cultural norms

A nation's flag is: a. A symbol b. A value c. A culture d. A folkway

a. A symbol

The Ku Klux Klan is an example of what part of culture? a. Counterculture b. Subculture c. Multiculturalism d. Afrocentricity

a. Counterculture

After teenage activists Greta and Bruno Rodriquez led school walk outs in their respective home countries of Sweden and Argentina, students around the world began staging similar types of protests. This is an example of: a. Diffusion b. Globalization c. Innovation d. Socialization

a. Diffusion

An example of high culture is ___________, whereas an example of popular culture would be ____________. a. Dostoevsky style in film; "American Idol" winners b. medical marijuana; film noir c. country music; pop music d. political theory; sociological theory

a. Dostoevsky style in film; "American Idol" winners

Watching TV series like The Real Housewives and The Masked Singer are examples of _____, while attending the Cannes Film Festival or the Phantom of the Opera are examples of ______. a. Popular culture; high culture b. High culture; popular culture c. Jersey culture; low culture d. High culture; low culture

a. Popular culture; high culture

The Occupy Wall Street movement of 2011 grew to be an international movement. Supporters believe that the economic disparity between the highest economic class and the mid to lower economic classes is growing at an exponentially alarming rate. A sociologist who studies that movement by examining the interactions between members at Occupy camps would most likely use what theoretical approach? a. Symbolic interactionism b. Functionalism c. Conflict theory d. Ethnocentrism

a. Symbolic interactionism

Your 83-year-old grandmother has been using a computer for some time now. As a way to keep in touch, you frequently send e-mails of a few lines to let her know about your day. She calls after every e-mail to respond point by point, but she has never e-mailed a response back. This can be viewed as an example of: a. cultural lag b. innovation c. ethnocentricity d. xenophobia

a. cultural lag

Rodney and Elise are American students studying abroad in Italy. When they are introduced to their host families, the families kiss them on both cheeks. When Rodney's host brother introduces himself and kisses Rodney on both cheeks, Rodney pulls back in surprise. Where he is from, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. This is an example of: a. culture shock b. imperialism c. ethnocentrism d. xenocentrism

a. culture shock

Which of the following is NOT an example of a formal norm within the United States? a. making eye contact while speaking b. paying taxes c. driving on the right hand side of the road d. crossing streets on cross-walks

a. making eye contact while speaking

The biggest difference between mores and folkways is that a. mores are primarily linked to morality, whereas folkways are primarily linked to being commonplace within a culture b. mores are absolute, whereas folkways are temporary c. mores refer to material culture, whereas folkways refer to nonmaterial culture d. mores refer to nonmaterial culture, whereas folkways refer to material culture

a. mores are primarily linked to morality, whereas folkways are primarily linked to being commonplace within a culture

The major difference between invention and discovery is: a. Invention is based on technology, whereas discovery is usually based on culture b. Discovery involves finding something that already exists, but invention puts things together in a new way c. Invention refers to material culture, whereas discovery can be material or theoretic, like lawsof physics d. Invention is typically used to refer to international objects, whereas discovery refers to thatwhich is local to one's culture

b. Discovery involves finding something that already exists, but invention puts things together in a new way

What theoretical perspective views society as having a system of interdependent inherently connected parts? a. Sociobiology b. Functionalism c. Conflict theory d. Ethnocentrism

b. Functionalism

The notion that people cannot feel or experience something that they do not have a word for can be explained by: a. linguistics b. Sapir-Whorf c. Ethnographic imagery d. bilingualism

b. Sapir-Whorf

The terms _______ and ______ are often used interchangeably, but have nuances that differentiate them. a. imperialism and relativism b. culture and society c. society and ethnocentrism d. ethnocentrism and Xenocentrism

b. culture and society

That McDonald's is found in almost every country around the world is an example of: a. globalization b. diffusion c. culture lag d. xenocentrism

b. diffusion

Judging other cultures by the standards of one's own culture is known as: a. norms b. ethnocentrism c. cultural relativism d. sociobiology

b. ethnocentrism

The text states that cultural change is set in motion in three general ways: a. immigration, imagination, and innovation. b. invention, discovery, and diffusion. c. invasion, invention, and experimentation. d. adaptation, integration, and immigration.

b. invention, discovery, and diffusion.

List three American Values

bravery freedom of speech capitalism

A sociologist conducts research into the ways that Hispanic American students are historically underprivileged in the American education system. What theoretical approach is the sociologist using? a. Symbolic interactionism b. Functionalism c. Conflict theory d. Ethnocentrism

c. Conflict theory

The "American Dream"—the notion that anybody can be successful and rich if they work hard enough—is most commonly associated with which sociological theory? a. Sociobiology b. Functionalism c. Conflict theory d. Ethnocentrism

c. Conflict theory

Which of the following is an example of cultural relativism? a. Andy marrying another man, though his parents disprove. b. Ingrid becoming upset over customers not speaking "American" while waiting in line at her local coffee shop. c. Helena putting aside her vegetarianism to eat meals with the local tribe she is studying. d. Joseph protesting the Running of the Bulls as animal cruelty while visiting Pamplona.

c. Helena putting aside her vegetarianism to eat meals with the local tribe she is studying.

Cultural sanctions can also be viewed as ways that society: a. Establishes leaders b. Determines language c. Regulates behavior d. Determines laws

c. Regulates behavior

The American flag is a material object that represents the U.S. However, many people associate different ideas with the flag, like freedom, justice or oppression. In this example, what are freedom, justice or oppression? a. Language b. Material culture c. Symbols d. Values

c. Symbols/ Nonmaterial culture

Social control has both _______ and ______ mechanisms to ensure conformity. These range from ostracizing a person from a group to imprisonment. a. informal; scripts b. informal; desensitive c. informal; formal d. inside; outside

c. informal; formal

Which of the following is not an element of culture? a. symbols b. norms c. sanctions d. beliefs

c. sanctions

The existence of social norms, both formal and informal, is one of the main things that inform ___________, otherwise known as a way to encourage social conformity. a. values b. sanctions c. social control d. mores

c. social control

Modern-day hipsters are an example of: a. ethnocentricity b. counterculture c. subculture d. high culture

c. subculture

The belief that one's culture is inferior to another culture is called: a. ethnocentrism b. nationalism c. xenocentrism d. imperialism

c. xenocentrism

informal norms

casual behaviors that are generally and widely conformed to

best theory to look at wars, violence, revolutions, and forms of injustice and discrimination by explaining that there is a natural disparity in society that causes these problems.

conflict theory

the American dream- the notion that anybody can be successful and Rich if they work hard enough- is mostly associated with which sociological Theory?

conflict theory

Your eighty-three-year-old grandmother has been using a computer for some time now. As a way to keep in touch, you frequently send emails of a few lines to let her know about your day. She calls after every email to respond point by point, but she has never emailed a response back. This can be viewed as an example of:

cultural lag

symbolic interactionist view culture

culture is created and maintained by the way which we interact with each other

conflict theory view culture

culture reinforces the privileges of some groups over others. those with less power have tend to have less adaptability to cultural change

The term values can be defined as: a. The tenets or convictions that people hold to be true. b. Scripture found within a religious text c. Federal laws and regulations. d. A culture's standard for discerning what's good and just in society.

d. A culture's standard for discerning what's good and just in society.

From the mid 1900s to early 2000s, music fans usually had to purchase entire music albums even if they only wanted one or two songs. The iTunes store enabled individual song purchases to give the users more choice. What did this represent? a. A culture shock b. A diffusion c. A discovery d. An innovation

d. An innovation

__________ are rules about everyday casual living; __________ are rules with great moral significance. a. Taboos; mores b. Prescriptive norms; proscriptive norms c. Mores; folkways d. Folkways; mores

d. Folkways; mores

Which of the following describes a subculture? a. motorcycle collectors b. vegans (strict vegetarians who will not eat eggs or cheese) c. high school students who are members of the chess club d. all of the above

d. all of the above

Patterns or traits that are found in virtually all societies are called: a. muticulturalism b. cultural relativism c. ethnocentrism d. cultural universals

d. cultural universals

Alice and Harry are students studying abroad in Paris. When they are introduced to their host family, they are greeted with a kiss on both cheeks. When Harry's host brother introduces himself and kisses Harry on both cheeks, Harry steps back in surprise. Where he grew up, unless they are romantically involved, men do not kiss one another. This is an example of: a. xenocentrism b. ethnocentrism c. imperialism d. culture shock

d. culture shock

Some jobs today advertise in multinational markets and permit telecommuting in lieu of working from a primary location. This broadening of the job market and the way that jobs are performed can be attributed to: a. cultural lag b. innovation c. discovery d. globalization

d. globalization

Most cultures have been found to identify laughter as a sign of humor, joy, or pleasure. Likewise, most cultures recognize music in some form. Music and laughter are examples of: a. relativism b. ethnocentrism c. xenocentrism d. universalism

d. universalism

formal norms

established, written rules

believe that society is based on shared values and is held up by social institutions fulfilling a set function in it?

functionalism Émile Durkheim -how society works together to maintain social order. -Durkheim said that the main way to achieve social consensus is through socialisation. It occurs through societal institutions, all of which uphold the social consensus. -All individuals and institutions in society should cooperate and carry out social roles. This way, society will remain functional and prevent 'anomie', or chaos. -Durkheim expanded on the microtheory of anomie in his famous 1897 book Suicide, which was the first methodological study of a social issue. He found that social problems can be causes of suicide as well, apart from personal or emotional problems. He suggested that the more integrated an individual is in society, the less likely they are to take their own life.

how to functionalists view social problems

functionalism views social problems as arising from society's natural evolution Social problems weaken a society's stability but do not reflect fundamental faults in how the society is structured. Solutions to social problems should take the form of gradual social reform rather than sudden and far-reaching change. Despite their negative effects, social problems often also serve important functions for society. -example, crime is a major social problem, but it is also good for the economy because it creates hundreds of thousands of jobs in law enforcement, courts and corrections, home security, and other sectors of the economy whose major role is to deal with crime. If crime disappeared, many people would be out of work! Similarly, poverty is also a major social problem, but one function that poverty serves is that poor people do jobs that otherwise might not get done because other people would not want to do them

symbols

gestures or objects that have meanings associated with them that are recognized by people who share a culture

Some jobs today advertise in multinational markets and permit telecommuting in lieu of working from a primary location. This broadening of the job market and the way that jobs are performed can be attributed to:

globalization

countercultures

groups that reject and oppose society's widely accepted cultural patterns

subcultures

groups that share a specific identification, apart from a society's majority, even as the members exist within a larger society

Cultural change results from

invention: creating new cultural elements (e.g., the telephone and the computer) process of creating new ideas to solve cultural problems discovery: recognizing and understanding something already in existence: (e.g., the recognition that women are capable of political leadership), and diffusion: spread of cultural elements to the world (e.g., the growing popularity of various ethnic foods and musical styles)-innovation- taking a solution that already exists and making it better.

innovations

new objects or ideas introduced to culture for the first time

cultural universals

patterns or traits that are globally common to all societies

society

people who live in a definable community and who share a culture and interact

Cultural universals are elements of culture that

refer to traits that are part of every known culture - joking, gift giving, social institutions, funeral rites, etc

culture

shared beliefs, values, and practices

The use of Facebook to create an online persona by only posting images that match your ideal self exemplifies the_____________ that can occur in forms of new media.

social construction of reality

Structural functionalist view of culture ...

societies need culture to exist culture functions as the structure in society that exists to meet human needs. For example, our culture gives our lives meaning and direction, giving us cues for what to do and how to live

What is cultural diffusion?

the spread of material and non-material culture from one culture to another

diffusion

the spread of material and nonmaterial culture from one culture to another

ideal culture

the standards a society would like to embrace and live up to

norms

the visible and invisible rules of conduct through which societies are structured

real culture

the way society really is based on what actually occurs and exists

Sapir-Whorf hypothesis

the way that people understand the world based on their form of language

discoveries

things and ideas found from what already exists