SOCS 185 EXAM PREP VERIFIED
Culture & Society
COMPLETED
2023/2024
, 1. What is the difference between material and non-material culture? Give an example of each.
- Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their
culture, such as clothing, architecture, art, etc. Non-material culture refers to the abstract ideas, beliefs,
values, and norms that shape a society, such as language, religion, customs, etc. An example of material
culture is the American flag, while an example of non-material culture is the English language.
2. What are some of the main functions of culture according to functionalist theory?
- According to functionalist theory, culture serves several functions for society, such as:
- Providing a collective identity and a sense of belonging to members of a group.
- Establishing social order and stability by creating common expectations and rules for behavior.
- Facilitating socialization and transmission of knowledge and skills from one generation to another.
- Promoting social integration and cohesion by fostering shared values and interests.
- Enhancing social adaptation and innovation by allowing people to respond to environmental challenges
and opportunities.
3. What are some of the main sources of cultural diversity in the contemporary world?
- Some of the main sources of cultural diversity in the contemporary world are:
- Migration and mobility, which expose people to different cultures and create multicultural societies.
- Globalization and communication, which increase the flow of information, ideas, and goods across
borders and create hybrid cultures.
- Social movements and resistance, which challenge dominant cultures and assert alternative or minority
identities and values.
- Cultural relativism and pluralism, which recognize and respect the diversity of cultures and promote
tolerance and dialogue.
4. What is the difference between subculture and counterculture? Give an example of each.
- Subculture is a group of people within a larger culture who share some distinctive characteristics, values,
or practices that set them apart from the mainstream culture, but do not necessarily oppose or reject it.
Counterculture is a group of people who deliberately oppose or reject some aspects of the dominant
culture and seek to create alternative norms and values. An example of subculture is the hip-hop culture,
while an example of counterculture is the hippie movement.
5. What are some of the main agents of socialization that shape our cultural learning? How do they
influence us?
- Some of the main agents of socialization that shape our cultural learning are:
- Family, which is the primary agent of socialization that teaches us the basic norms, values, and roles of
our society and provides us with emotional support and attachment.
- School, which is the secondary agent of socialization that educates us on various subjects, skills, and
disciplines and exposes us to different perspectives and peers.
- Media, which is the mass agent of socialization that informs us about current events, issues, and trends
and influences our opinions, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Peer group, which is the informal agent of socialization that offers us friendship, companionship, and
acceptance and shapes our tastes, preferences, and lifestyles.
Culture & Society
COMPLETED
2023/2024
, 1. What is the difference between material and non-material culture? Give an example of each.
- Material culture refers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their
culture, such as clothing, architecture, art, etc. Non-material culture refers to the abstract ideas, beliefs,
values, and norms that shape a society, such as language, religion, customs, etc. An example of material
culture is the American flag, while an example of non-material culture is the English language.
2. What are some of the main functions of culture according to functionalist theory?
- According to functionalist theory, culture serves several functions for society, such as:
- Providing a collective identity and a sense of belonging to members of a group.
- Establishing social order and stability by creating common expectations and rules for behavior.
- Facilitating socialization and transmission of knowledge and skills from one generation to another.
- Promoting social integration and cohesion by fostering shared values and interests.
- Enhancing social adaptation and innovation by allowing people to respond to environmental challenges
and opportunities.
3. What are some of the main sources of cultural diversity in the contemporary world?
- Some of the main sources of cultural diversity in the contemporary world are:
- Migration and mobility, which expose people to different cultures and create multicultural societies.
- Globalization and communication, which increase the flow of information, ideas, and goods across
borders and create hybrid cultures.
- Social movements and resistance, which challenge dominant cultures and assert alternative or minority
identities and values.
- Cultural relativism and pluralism, which recognize and respect the diversity of cultures and promote
tolerance and dialogue.
4. What is the difference between subculture and counterculture? Give an example of each.
- Subculture is a group of people within a larger culture who share some distinctive characteristics, values,
or practices that set them apart from the mainstream culture, but do not necessarily oppose or reject it.
Counterculture is a group of people who deliberately oppose or reject some aspects of the dominant
culture and seek to create alternative norms and values. An example of subculture is the hip-hop culture,
while an example of counterculture is the hippie movement.
5. What are some of the main agents of socialization that shape our cultural learning? How do they
influence us?
- Some of the main agents of socialization that shape our cultural learning are:
- Family, which is the primary agent of socialization that teaches us the basic norms, values, and roles of
our society and provides us with emotional support and attachment.
- School, which is the secondary agent of socialization that educates us on various subjects, skills, and
disciplines and exposes us to different perspectives and peers.
- Media, which is the mass agent of socialization that informs us about current events, issues, and trends
and influences our opinions, attitudes, and behaviors.
- Peer group, which is the informal agent of socialization that offers us friendship, companionship, and
acceptance and shapes our tastes, preferences, and lifestyles.
