WGU C273 REVIEWED SUMMARY
Culture
includes language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors and
even material objects that can be passed from one
generation to the next.
helps define acceptable and unacceptable behavior,
expected attitudes and symbolic meaning
learned not inherited
Culture is
learned not inherited
What defines acceptable and unacceptable behavior,
expected attitudes, symbolic meaning?
Culture
Material Culture
the art, housing, clothing, sports, dances, foods, and other
similar items constructed or created by a group of people
non-material culture
The beliefs, practices, aesthetics, and values of a group of
people.
Subculture
the values and related behaviors of a group that
distinguish its members from the larger culture; a world
within a world
Examples of subculture
Middle school vs the losers club, politicians, bodybuilders
examples of counterculture
Hippies, skinheads, terrorists, organized crime families
,Ethnocentrism
using one's own culture to judge others or societies that
usually leads to negative values and norms
examples of ethnocentrism
Nei- Nazis and missionaries
culture relativism
not judging a culture but trying to understand it on its own
terms
Why would sociologists want to practice cultural
relativism?
To attempt to refocus our lens of perception to appreciate
other ways of life and to help us avoid cultural smugness
Norms
Standards or patterns, especially of social behavior, that is
typical or expected of a group
Folkways
norms that are not strictly enforced
examples of folkways
A man walking in public without a shirt
More
norms that are strictly enforced because they are thought
essential to core values or the well-being of the group
Examples of more
Stealing, murder
Taboo
A norm extremely violated
examples of taboos
incest, cannibalism
Values
a culture's standards for good and bad, right and wrong,
beautiful and ugly
, Sanction
Reactions for following (or not following) culture norms
positive sanction
Express social approval
Examples of positive sanctions
Rewards, smile, raises, and recognition
Negative sanctions
Express social disapproval
Examples of negative sanctions
Harsh words, finger gestures, court fines
Symbols in culture
Symbol is something to which people attach a meaning
that they can communicate
Examples of symbols in culture
Dollar bill signifies wealth and capitalism
Pineapple symbolizes welcome and warmth
Gestures, values, norms, and beliefs
Language allows people to be cumulative, sharing ideas,
and though
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
He was the founder of sociology
created the application of the scientific approach
positivism. Comte believed that using this new method we
could reform society and make it a better place to live.
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
"Survival of the fittest."
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
two classes, which caused class conflict, the struggle
between capitalists and workers.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
Culture
includes language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors and
even material objects that can be passed from one
generation to the next.
helps define acceptable and unacceptable behavior,
expected attitudes and symbolic meaning
learned not inherited
Culture is
learned not inherited
What defines acceptable and unacceptable behavior,
expected attitudes, symbolic meaning?
Culture
Material Culture
the art, housing, clothing, sports, dances, foods, and other
similar items constructed or created by a group of people
non-material culture
The beliefs, practices, aesthetics, and values of a group of
people.
Subculture
the values and related behaviors of a group that
distinguish its members from the larger culture; a world
within a world
Examples of subculture
Middle school vs the losers club, politicians, bodybuilders
examples of counterculture
Hippies, skinheads, terrorists, organized crime families
,Ethnocentrism
using one's own culture to judge others or societies that
usually leads to negative values and norms
examples of ethnocentrism
Nei- Nazis and missionaries
culture relativism
not judging a culture but trying to understand it on its own
terms
Why would sociologists want to practice cultural
relativism?
To attempt to refocus our lens of perception to appreciate
other ways of life and to help us avoid cultural smugness
Norms
Standards or patterns, especially of social behavior, that is
typical or expected of a group
Folkways
norms that are not strictly enforced
examples of folkways
A man walking in public without a shirt
More
norms that are strictly enforced because they are thought
essential to core values or the well-being of the group
Examples of more
Stealing, murder
Taboo
A norm extremely violated
examples of taboos
incest, cannibalism
Values
a culture's standards for good and bad, right and wrong,
beautiful and ugly
, Sanction
Reactions for following (or not following) culture norms
positive sanction
Express social approval
Examples of positive sanctions
Rewards, smile, raises, and recognition
Negative sanctions
Express social disapproval
Examples of negative sanctions
Harsh words, finger gestures, court fines
Symbols in culture
Symbol is something to which people attach a meaning
that they can communicate
Examples of symbols in culture
Dollar bill signifies wealth and capitalism
Pineapple symbolizes welcome and warmth
Gestures, values, norms, and beliefs
Language allows people to be cumulative, sharing ideas,
and though
Auguste Comte (1798-1857)
He was the founder of sociology
created the application of the scientific approach
positivism. Comte believed that using this new method we
could reform society and make it a better place to live.
Herbert Spencer (1820-1903)
"Survival of the fittest."
Karl Marx (1818-1883)
two classes, which caused class conflict, the struggle
between capitalists and workers.
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917)
