Sociology ch:3 Culture and Society.

Disparaging attitudes towards polygamy (a marriage that includes more than two people) in the United States may be a form of ___ . (a) social control (b) ethnocentrism (c) cultural relativism (d) assimilation

(b) ethnocentrism Feedback: Ethnocentrism is the tendency to look at other cultures through the eyes of one's own culture and thereby misrepresent them. Sociologists who study forms of marriage in different cultures must try to understand phenomena like polygamy in the political, economic, and cultural context of the groups in which it is practiced.

Culture can be defined as ___ . (a) artistic forms of expression that help cultivate the intellect of members of a society (b) expectations about modes of behavior appropriate to participating in a particular community or society (c) the values, norms, and material objects characteristic of a particular group (d) scientific understandings and the technological advancements that come from them, by which society is built

(c) the values, norms, and material objects characteristic of a particular group Feedback: Arts, science, and expectations are all parts or manifestations of culture, which contains all of those aspects and more.

Know the definitions of ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, cultural universals, and signifiers.

1. Ethnocentrism: The tendency to look at other cultures through the eyes of one's own culture, and thereby misrepresent them. 2. Cultural relativism: The practice of judging a society by its own standards. 3. Cultural universals: universals are values or modes of behavior shared by all human cultures, although specific manifestations of cultural universals vary from one culture to another. 4. Signifiers: are vehicles of meaning used to communicate. Signifiers can include the sounds one makes when speaking, written language, body language, or aspects of material culture such as one's clothing, a photograph, or the type of car one drives.

Be familiar with the meaning and examples of social control, both formal and informal.

1. Social control: refers generally to societal and political mechanisms or processes that regulate individual and group behavior, leading to conformity and compliance to the rules of a given society, state, or social group Example: Education may maintain social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal sanctions and formal sanctions. 2. Informal social control: the reactions of individuals and groups that bring about conformity to norms and laws. It is exercised by a society without stating any rules or laws. It is expressed through norms and customs. Example: includes peer and community pressure, bystander intervention in a crime, and collective responses such as citizen patrol groups. 3. Formal social control: is a concept within the disciplines of the social sciences. Example: Courts or judges, military officers, police officers, school systems or teachers, and government agencies or bureaucrats, enforce formal control.

Know the definitions and examples of values, norms, and material goods.

1. Values: Ideas held by individuals or groups about what is desirable, proper, good, and bad. Example: The textbook gives the example of the value Western societies have for fidelity in marriage to a single person. Values are reflected in a culture's norms. 2. Norms: rules of conduct that specify appropriate behavior in a given range of social situations. Norms can be very formal (meaning they are written down somewhere and may even be codified into law, such as laws that guide the dissolution of a marriage and relations with children when a partner has been unfaithful). Norms can also be informal (meaning they are not written down anywhere, such as how one is supposed to behave on a crowded elevator). Example: In one society marital infidelity may not be grounds for divorce. In another society premarital sex is grounds for stoning women or girls to death but not men or boys. 3. Material goods/culture: the physical objects that a society creates that influence the ways in which people live. Another element of culture is the material goods that a society has produced Example: This is really anything physical, from the buildings we call home, to the clothing and jewelry that adorn our bodies, to the layout of our cities.

Know the different types of societies, including hunting and gathering, pastoral, agrarian, traditional, and industrial; in particular, be aware of their characteristics.

1. hunting and gathering: Hunting and gathering societies tend to be very small; typically between 30 to 40 people. Hunters and gatherers tend to have few material possessions. Hunters and gatherers tend toward equality and cooperation. 2. pastoral: societies whose subsistence derives from the rearing of domesticated animals. There is more inequality, competition, and concentration of power in pastoral and agrarian societies. There is also more accumulation of material possessions. Pastoral societies concentrate on the tending of domesticated animals. ruled by chiefs or warriors few hundred to many thousand people 3. agrarian: : societies whose means of subsistence are based on agricultural production (crop growing). based on small rural communities without towns or cities livelihood through agriculture ruled by chiefs 4. traditional: are the third oldest type of premodern society, but they disappeared in the nineteenth century. Some agrarian and pastoral societies eventually became traditional societies or were conquered by traditional societies. These societies are characterized by the development of cities, pronounced inequalities of wealth and power, and a greater concentration of power. These societies were usually led by a king or emperor. Kingdom or empire are words to describe traditional societies and civilizations. Writing, science, and art flourished in these societies, which is why they were called civilizations. The remains of these societies are evident in many parts of the modern world. 5. industrial: developed because of the process of industrialization and its consequent rapid technological innovation. Industrialization destroyed the forms of society that dominated prior periods. In industrialized societies, over 90 percent of the population lives and works in towns and cities (urban areas). Social life in cities is characterized by impersonality, multiple encounters with strangers, and large organizations like corporations and government agencies. Political systems in industrialized societies are more developed than in traditional states.

Be familiar with the concept of cultural toolkits by Ann Swidler.

A "tool kit" whereby people can select different understandings and behaviors, enabling them to choose from different courses of action rather than constraining them to a single one. An example of Ann Swidlers idea of different courses of action is: Dyeing your hair fuchsia or green, wearing nose rings, and adorning your body with tattoos...all-the-while, still accepting your parents' traditional values about sexual restraint.

Know the definition and examples of subcultures.

A group of people with shared value systems based on common life experiences and situations Cultural diversity is a normal feature of many parts of the United States as seen in the existence of multiple subcultures such as Goths, computer hackers, and fans of hip hop, as well as ethnic subcultures.

Be familiar with the role of nature and nurture.

An important debate has been taking place for years among natural and social scientists about the role biology plays in human behavior. What explains behavior—nature or nurture? To what extent is our behavior explained by biology? What role does one's upbringing or environment play in behavior? The field of sociobiology addresses questions like these.

Secret documents revealed by Edward Snowden in 2013 revealed a NSA program collecting vast amounts of information on the communications of Americans. Which of the following are characteristics of industrial societies that sociologists might use to put these revelations in context? (a) rapid technological developments based on advanced scientific knowledge (b) more extensive control over many aspects of citizen's lives than previous types of human societies (c) advanced modes of military organization (d) the rise of a rational-legal mode of social organization

Answer: All should be checked. Feedback: Understanding events like the revelations about the NSA's activities required understanding the unique characteristics, requirements, and configurations that characterize the type of society in which such events occur. Although not every characteristic of a particular type of society may be of primary importance in understanding every event that occurs within that society, the kind of society humans live in impacts events and experiences in ways that are not always immediately obvious. Sociology helps us understand such subtle connections.

Be familiar with the term "the Global South" and its characteristics.

Countries used to be classified in terms of their industrial development. Some countries were considered "developed" and some countries were considered "underdeveloped" or developing. This language is currently considered problematic. Since much of the what was once referred to as industrialized society is found in the North (Northern Hemisphere), a common distinction is made by sociologists between the global north and the global south. The majority of countries in the global south are in areas that underwent colonial rule.

Know about human instincts.

Fixed patterns of behavior that have genetic origins and that appear in all normal animals within a given species. Most sociologists acknowledge a role for nature, or instincts, in "determining" attitudes and behavior, but with strong qualifications.

Know the interconnections between industrialized and developing societies.

Industrialized: -3rd wave of sociall revolution -mechaniized productions-provide living wages) -greater soicasl inequality -urbanization- not as much more crime and being victimized -Not strong community ties as once was Developing:

Know about the emerging global culture.

Many believe that the rapid worldwide growth of the Internet is hastening the spread of a global culture resembling the cultures of Europe and North America. Evidence shows that the Internet is in many ways compatible with traditional cultural values, perhaps even a means of strengthening them. Example is Saudi Arabia, a monarchy that officially enforces a highly conservative form of traditional Islam. Cyber cafes are routinely monitored, and cyber dissidents—for example, those who defend women's rights or criticize traditional religious beliefs—are likely to receive steep fines and severe punishment. Yet at the same time, even under such repressive conditions, the Internet provides a space for self-expression and discussion, albeit within limits. Women, for example, who comprise more than half of all Internet users in Saudi Arabia, are able to engage in Internet discussions that would be forbidden in public, such as on women's health issues.

Know the issues surrounding developing nations.

Most post-colonial countries have extremely high levels of poverty. Some former post-colonial countries have been successful in the process of industrialization. These countries are referred to as emerging economies, and include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, India, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.

2. Norms and values are central to all cultures. Discuss the difference between norm and value. Illustrate your answer by giving two examples of norm and value in this society, i.e., what values do you think the majority Americans uphold and what norms do they follow (you may use your own examples but be consistent with chapter materials)? Be sure to illustrate your answers.

Norms and values are important aspects to all different cultures. Norms and values show what is important to a society and how it is reflected is an example of passed down traditions from generation to generation. It gives people an understanding of what cultures respect. It also gives a view of different perspectives of how each person uphold certain values and why. Values are ideas that can be held by groups or individuals about what is considered good, bad, important, wanted, and fitting. What certain people value is strongly influenced by a particular culture that they live in. For instance, in the American society we consider the American dream as a value to uphold because it is what many Americans have been raised to think that anyone can work really hard and become successful no matter if he or she was once poor. The value is to be work hard and stay successful in order to be accepted by the American society. Moreover, norms are rules that allow expected behavior within a given range of social conditions. A norm accepts or forbids certain actions within a society. All human groups follow specific norms that are supported by sanctions. For example, when marriages are made husbands and wives can develop close relationships with their in-laws or be distant. It all depends on the norms and traditions that a person is brought up with. In addition, in the United States is is considered a norm for women to fashionably wear a hat, but is it not considered mandatory. Women in other Muslim countries keep their head, neck, and face covered because it is part of their culture and it is a norm that they are expected to hold. In the end, norms and values are considered very important to societies. It is significant because it shows what people consider to be valued, respected, and normal in life. Both norms and values target specific ideas in all cultures. By looking at norms and values in diverse cultures it can help us better understand societies viewpoint.

Know about globalization - what is it, its effects, etc. (include rise of nationalism here, too).

The role of globalization in cultural change is significant. The textbook makes the point that physical culture is becoming more and more globalized due to the influence of modern communication and information technologies. A concern for some observers of culture is that globalization may eventually erase cultural differences that are manifested not only in material goods but also in values and norms. How the Internet and other communication technologies with a global scope influence attitudes and behaviors continues to be a source of fascination for sociologists. Some evidence shows that the growing ties of social and economic interdependence that come with globalization have led to some societies becoming more nationalistic in the desire to retain the norms, values, and material goods that make their cultures unique. Nationalism is a set of beliefs and symbols that express identification with a national community.

Be familiar with multiculturalism.

a condition in which ethnic groups exist separately and share equally in economic and political life. A competing model is multiculturalism. Under multiculturalism, ethnic groups retain their cultural distinctiveness when they settle in a new culture. They exist separately but partake equally in economic and political life. Multiculturalism has been likened to a tossed salad.

Know the definition of society.

a group of people who live in a particular territory, are subject to a common system of political authority, and are aware of having a distinct identity from other groups.

Be familiar with the Sapir-Whorf linguistic relativity hypothesis.

a hypothesis, based on the theories of Sapir and Whorf, that perceptions are relative to language. Language influences how we see or perceive the world around us. We are more likely to be aware of things if we have words for things.

What is the main difference between pastoral societies and agrarian societies? (a) Pastoral societies relied mainly on domesticated animals, while agrarian societies relied on agriculture. (b) Agrarian societies predated pastoral societies by at least several thousand years. (c) Agrarian societies were marked by much more divisive inequalities than pastoral societies. (d) Pastoral societies only existed in Africa and the Middle East, while agrarian societies were spread across the entire globe.

a. Sociology is increasingly relying on larger data sets and statistical studies. Sociology is increasingly relying on larger data sets and statistical studies.

Be familiar with sociobiology and how they view certain human behaviors.

an approach that attempts to explain the behavior of both animals and human beings in terms of biological principles. Although sociologists recognize the importance of biology, they believe that social forces are much more important than biology in explaining people's behavior. The research described in the textbook about a genetic predisposition to depression shows that environmental conditions such as stressful events are more important than genetics in explaining the existence of depression in those genetically predisposed to it. So both nature and nurture affect mental health. Sociologists ask how nature and nurture interact to produce behavior, with the focus still being on how people are socialized to adopt particular values and norms that affect their behavior. For sociologists, if biology determined everything, we wouldn't see so many differences in norms, values, and material goods between cultures and groups or over time. Thus, nature and nurture interact to produce human behavior.

Which of the following might be considered a cultural universal? (a) using smart phone and the Internet (b) having conflict with one's in-laws (c) decorating one's body (d) teaching children how to be self-sufficient

c. Cultural universals are values or modes of behavior shared by all human cultures, although specific manifestations of cultural universals vary from one culture to another. (c) decorating one's body

___ consists of the physical objects that a society creates that influence the ways in which people live. (a) Scientific technology (b) Artistic propaganda (c) Infrastructure (d) Material culture

d. Material culture consists of all the physical objects created by humans to facilitate social living, including scientific technology, artistic creations, highways, living structures (homes), etc (d) Material culture

Know the characteristics of nation-states.

particular types of states, characteristic of the modern world, in which governments have sovereign power within defined territorial areas, and populations are citizens who know themselves to be a part of single nations. Political systems in industrialized societies work hard to promote an integrated national community called the nation-state as a way to forge unity among and to control their large and diverse populations. Nation-states are "political communities with clearly delimited borders" and "extensive powers over many aspects of citizens' lives."

Know about the concept of assimilation.

the acceptance of a minority group by a majority population in which the new group takes on the values and norms of the dominant culture. Settler societies like the United States or Canada are frequently thought to be assimilationist societies. Assimilation is the process by which different cultures are absorbed into the mainstream culture. In this model, new cultures take on the values and norms of the dominant culture. Many people liken assimilation to the melting pot.

Be familiar with the history and impact of colonialism.

the process whereby Western nations established their rule in parts of the world away form their home territories. Although most of these colonies are now independent, their colonial histories continue to influence the current societies. Most nations only became independent recently, post-World War II. Agriculture still remains the main economic activity. Most post-colonial societies have an extremely high rate of poverty.

Know what semiotics is.

the study of the ways in which nonlinguistic phenomena can generate meaning. The analysis of nonverbal cultural meanings is called semiotics. Sociologists and anthropologists who study semiotics are interested in the symbols and meanings in material culture.

Know what culture is - what does it consist of, images of it, etc.

the values, norms, and material goods characteristic of a given group. Examples: marriage, art, dancing, body adornment, games, gift giving, joking, and rules of hygiene.

Be familiar with newly industrializing economies.

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How does culture vary worldwide - be familiar with the impact of the natural environment.

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