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Chapter Preview · Section 1The Basis of Culture (pages 72–76)

Culture defines how people in a society behave in relation to others and to physical objects. Although most behavior among animals is instinctual, human behavior is learned. Even reflexes and drives do not completely determine how humans will behave, because people are heavily influenced by culture.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 1-Polling Question

A B C D

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How much are you are influenced by the culture that surrounds you?

A. Very influenced

B. Somewhat influenced

C. Not very influenced

D. Not sure

Section 1

Culture and Society

• The culture you live in refers to the knowledge, language, values, customs and physical objects that are passed from generation to generation among members of a group.

• Material aspects of our culture include skyscrapers, computers, cell phones and cars.

Section 1

Culture and Society (cont.)

• Nonmaterial aspects include beliefs, rules, customs, family systems and a capitalist economy.

• Culture and society are interwoven, but they are not identical.

Section 1

Culture and Society (cont.)

• A society is a group of people who live in a defined territory and participate in a common culture.

• Culture is that society’s total way of life.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 1

A B C D

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From the following list, what is the example that best represents your culture?

A. Literature

B. Music

C. Government

D. Values

Section 1

Culture and Heredity

• Instincts are genetically inherited patterns of behavior. Humans, unlike animals, cannot rely on instinct alone for survival, so we rely on our culture.

• However, culture is not the only influence on our behavior.

• If humans were controlled by instincts alone, we would all behave the same way.

Section 1

Culture and Heredity (cont.)

• Other factors include:

– Heredity—genetically inherited traits

• These expressions of such biological factors can vary depending on the culture.

– Reflexes—simple, biologically inherited automatic reactions to physical stimuli.

– Drives—impulses to reduce discomfort

–Nature v. Nurture Video

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 1

A B C D

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The desire to eat and drink is an example of which biological factor?

A. Heredity

B. Reflex

C. Drive

D. Culture

Section 1

Sociobiology

• Sociobiology is the study of the biological basis of human behavior.

• Darwin’s theory of natural selection + modern genetics = Sociobiology

• Sociologists believe that behaviors that best help people and animals are biologically based and transmitted in the genetic code.

• Video on Sociobiology

Section 1

Sociobiology (cont.)

• Some criticisms of sociobiology:

– Certain races could be labeled as inferior or superior.

– There is too much variation in societies for human behavior to be based on biology alone.

Section 1

Sociobiology (cont.)

• Middle ground:

– Some sociologists believe that genes work with culture in a complex way to shape and limit human nature and social life.

A. A

B. B

C. C

D. D

Section 1

A B C D

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The following are behaviors that help us further develop as the human race EXCEPT

A. Parental affection

B. Education

C. Shopping

D. Sexual reproduction

Section 1-Key Terms

• culture

• society

• instincts

• reflex

• drive

• sociobiology

Section 1-End

Section 5-End

Vocab 1

culture

knowledge, values, customs, and physical objects that are shared by members of a society

Vocab 2

society

a specific territory inhabited by people who share a common culture

Vocab 3

instincts

innate (unlearned) patterns of behavior

Vocab 4

reflex

automatic reaction to physical stimulus

Vocab 5

drive

impulse to reduce discomfort

Vocab 6

sociobiology

the study of the biological basis of human behavior

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