Chapter 2: The Social and Cultural World Flashcards
Acculturation def.
the process of contacts between different cultures and also the outcome of such contacts. Acculturation occurs when members of one cultural group adopt the beliefs and behaviours of another group. It may involve direct social interaction or exposure to other cultures through mass media
agent of socialisation def.
a person or institution that shapes an individual’s social development
authority def.
linked to power and the right to make decisions and to determine, adjudicate or settle issues and disputes in society. authority is best understood as the legitimate use of power. the use of authority is important in the process of decision-making and in initiating change and maintaining continuity
belief system def.
a system in which members of the group share a commitment to a set of beliefs and values that systematically defines a way of perceiving the social, cultural, physical and psychological world. belief systems can be categorised as religious and non-religious. both have rituals, symbols, stories, traditions and customs.
beliefs def.
a set of opinions or convictions; ideas we believe in as the truth. beliefs can come from one’s own experience and reflection, or from what one is told by others
case study def.
the case study method involves the collection of data related to an individual or small group through one or more research methods - or examples, observation, interviews and the collection of documentary evidence. because case study can, and often does include different methods to collect data, which are then combined with the purpose of illuminating the case from different angles, case study is considered as a methodology by many social researchers
change def.
the alteration or modification of cultural elements in a society. change to society can occur at the micro, meso and macro levels. It can be brought about by modernisation processes, including technological innovation. this force results in an alteration to culture.
commercialisation def.
the process of adding value to an idea, product, or commodity with the aim of selling it and making a profit. commercialisation is about preparing the item for sale and making money from it. the success of commercialisation often relies on marketing and advertising.
commodification
a social process by which an item is turned into a commodity in readiness to be traded. the process relies on marketing strategies with the aim of producing a perceived value in the item.
commodity def.
communication technologies def.
community def.
conflict def.
conformity def.
comsumption def.
content analysis def.
continuity def.
cooperation def.
cultural diversity def.
cultural heritage def.
cultural relativism def.
cultural transmission def.
c
customs def.
deindividuation def.
