Chapter 4: Cultural influence on individuals – culture and cultural norms

Question 1

General definition of culture

Answer 1

Culture consists of the behaviors, attitudes, and identities that are common among a group of people who claim some form of unity with each other. This is furthered by an evolutionary explanation: that humans have formed social groups as a means of protection.

Question 2

Matsumoto (2007)

Answer 2

“Culture is a solution to the problem of how to survive, given the problems of the environment, the physical and social needs that must be addressed, and the tools available.” Matsumoto also defines culture as a “unique meaning and information system” that a group holds and passes on to new generations, which all in all allows the group to create fundamental means of survival and meaning to life.

Question 3

The iceberg model

Answer 3

The iceberg model is a representation of what comprises culture, and divides components into two: surface culture (everything visible and in awareness) and deep culture (the out of conscious awareness and non-observable). In the deep culture, there are norms, assumptions, beliefs, and values, which are invisible – together, they form the visible: behavior and artifacts.

Question 4

Hofstede

Answer 4

Defines culture as “the collective programming of the mind distinguishing the members of one group or category from another.”

Question 5

Cultural transmission

Answer 5

The process of generations passing on cultural information to the next generation.

Question 6

Enculturation

Answer 6

Receiving cultural information and assimilating to the culture you live in; being taught cultural norms.

Question 7

Acculturation

Answer 7

The merging of cultures/the change exhibited in one culture after contact with another.

Question 8

Cultural norms

Answer 8

The unique set of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors specific to a certain culture.

Question 9

Culture of honor

Answer 9

Cultures where male strength and social reputation are highly valued and any threat to either of these will typically be met with a violent response.

Question 10

Lewin: gatekeeper theory

Answer 10

A theory related to who controls access to information and ideas in a social group. Gatekeepers are those who decide what information is shared; they filter the information.