Introduction to Culture

Introduction to CultureExplanations of everyday behaviorWhy would this clip relate to culture?

Culture isThe language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and even objects of a society that are passed from one generation to the next.

In other words, the lens through which we perceive and evaluate what is going on around us. Material CultureObjects that define a group

What are some material objects that define American culture?Nonmaterial CultureA groups way of thinking and doing

Sociological ImaginationUnderstanding different cultures can help us develop our sociological imaginations.Culture ShockDisorientation when coming into contact with a fundamentally different culture.

Commonly occurs through travel, work, college, military, etc. Traveling

EthnocentricTendency to use our own groups ways of doing things as a yardstick for judging others.

Can be positive (group loyalty) or negative (discrimination)How has ethnocentrism impacted history?Cultural RelativismTrying to understand a culture on its own terms.

Well-intentioned, but morally dangerous?

Because of their culture they think that is right/ wrongNormsExpectations of behaviors that reflect and enforce values.

Sanctions (positive and negative) are used to enforce the norms.Moral HolidaysUsed by some cultures to relieve the pressure of following norms.

Other examples in our culture might be: bachelor/bachelorette parties, block parties, party areas in a town or on a lake where the police avoid unless a major crime is committed, and even tailgating might be considered a moral holiday.

FolkwaysNorms that are not strictly enforced.

Not always easy to define.

Chivalrous? Or Sexist?

Folkway Violation?I cannot show a similar picture of the opposite gender.

MoresNorms that are strictly enforced, which is why the previous slide included a group of men with their pants on!Examples of MoresStealing, rapes, killing

TabooThe most powerful violation of a norm, will get the most shocked reaction.

Severe sanctions: Prison, banishment, death.

Conclusion on BehaviorWithin a culture, defining and labeling behaviors depends on the level of societal reaction/outrage.

The more serious reactions influence society to create laws and sanctions to get conformity. SubculturesA world within the larger world of the dominant culture.

Dependent on shared interests, backgrounds, values, norms, etc.

See pages 54-55

CounterculturesGroups whose values, beliefs, and related behaviors are opposed to the dominant culture

Create Own CultureMaterial culture (clothes, jewelry, art, buildings, weapons)Non-material culture (beliefs, values, assumptions of the world)Core values (honesty, respect, familial piety)Norms (eat at a table, make eye contact, be respectful to elders)Folkway (which side of street you walk on)More(strictly enforced norms)Taboo (very bad)Subcultures (sports fans)

Evaluate a Cultural ScenarioUse the sociological perspectives, imagination

Use the terms to evaluate this scenario

Be culturally sensitive

Can you display cultural relativism when you evaluate the scenario?

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