chapter 7

progress and change

(technological developments) Idea that new is better than old (microwave even=faster but lessens time families spend together)

five value orientations

1)Human beings relationship to nature (human being-nature orientation) 2)modality of human activity (activity orientation) 3)Temporal focus of human life (time orientation) 4)Character of innate human nature (human nature orientation) 5)relationship of individual to others (relational orientation

mutability

Human nature can be changed by society (education=positive force in improving human nature)

rationality

Humans act on the basis of reason.

European enlightenment and influence on US

The dominant language, the system of representative government, structure of law, individual liberty; all derive from Enlightenment ideals fro England.

conformity

US citizens conform to what is "in". (emphasize conformity to modern norms)

social class

US classes-based on wealth, occupation, education, and income

efficiency and practicality in US culture

US- high value on time;effeciency results in losing sight of other values. (driving quickest way somewhere rather than taking scenic route) Practicality-Short term, not likely of US

equality

important cultural myth in the US, beliefs may appear contradictory to actions

self-motivation in US culture

in US, individuals should set own goals and pursue them independently. (we have power to determine our destiny)

etic knowledge

knowledge learned by an outsider; that is, theoretical information about a culture developed by a researcher who isn't a member of the culture

emic knowledge

knowledge learned from the inside; that is, the norms of culture known by its members

materialsim

possessions are important in life

need for achievement

want to excel because feeling of accomplishment it brings. (economic development in west=individuals so motivated)

worldview

A cultures most fundamental beliefs about its place in the cosmos, beliefs about God, and beliefs about the nature of humanity and nature.

scientific method

A series of steps followed to solve problems including collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions. (Us strong faith in this)

hyper individualism

A tendency for people to act in a highly individual way, without regard to society.

value orientation theory (Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck)

All human cultures are confronted with universally shared problems emerging from relationships with fellow beings, activities, time, and nature