Chapter 3 Flashcards
Define CULTURE
The sum total of the social environment in which we are raised and continue to be socialized throughout our lives.
Define CULTURAL UNIVERSALS
Common practices shared by all societies
Define MATERIAL CULTURE
Tangible or physical items that people have created for use and give meaning to in a given culture
Define NONMATERIAL CULTURE
Intangibles produced by intellectual or spiritual development; also, the use of artifacts in a given culture
Define CULTURE SHOCK
A sense of disorientation and confusion that results when placed in unfamiliar surroundings where aspects of the material and nonmaterial culture are new or unknown
Define LANGUAGE
A shared system of communication that includes spoken, written, and signed forms of speech as well as nonverbal gestures used to convey meaning
Define MOTHER TONGUE
The first language learned at home in childhood that is still understood by an individual
Define SAPIR-WHORF HYPTHESIS
The assertion that language helps shape reality for those experiencing it
Define FOLKWAYS
Informal norms based on accepted traditions
Define MORES
Institutionalize norms embedded in laws used to help maintain social control
Define TABOOS
Mores that are considered wrong on and of themselves
Define PRESCRIPTIVE NORMS
Rules concerning behavoours we are expected to perform
Define PROSCRIPTIVE NORMS
Rules concerning behaviours we are expected to refrain from doing
Define EMBLEMS
Gestures wit direct verbal equivalents
Define SOCIAL FACTS
Observable social phenomenon external to individuals that exercise power over them
Define IDEAL CULTUER
Cultural values a majority of people identif with in a give society
Define REAL CULTURE
An ability to understand another culture in its own terms sympathetically enough so that the culture appears to be a coherent and meaningful design for living.
Define ETHNOCENTRISM
The tendency to believe that one’s cultural beliefs and practices are superior and should be used as the standard to which other cultures are compared.
Define SUBCULTURE
A group that can be differentiated from mainstream culture by its divergent traits involving language, norms, beliefs, and/or values.
Define COUNTERCULTURE
A type of subculture that strongly opposes central aspects of mainstream culture.
Define SYMBOL
An object, image, or event used to represent a particular concept
Define HIGH CULTURE
Activities shared by the social elite
Define STATUS SYMBOLS
Material indicators of wealth and prestige
Define POPULAR CULTURE
Well- like everyday practices and products
Why are norms considered to be regulators of shared behaviours?
Norms inform members of a culture about appropriate and inappropriate forms of conduct; violation of norms result in sanction
Why does values exist alongside contradictory norms
There are a number of reasons why values and norms do not always correspond. Traditional beliefs passed down to the next generation may prevent groups from engaging in particular behaviours and may also condone behaviours that go against cultural ideals
What Canadian culture makes it unique
- Is evident in the abundance of symbols EX:maple leaf
- high culture refers to well-liked practices and produces that are widely engaged in and/or used by the masses
