Culture - Glossary Flashcards
define ‘norms’
These are the unwritten rules which guide and define acceptable behaviour. (Usually not written down, but may be written as part of rules and regulations.) They define what is right and wrong in terms of how we should behave and act. Norms can become customs, and norm breaking is deviant. Norms are RELATIVE which means they may change over time
Define ‘culture’
The values, norms, meanings, beliefs, language, and customs of a society; its whole way of life (Williams). Every society has a culture which can be seen as the ‘glue’ which binds people together in a shared understands of what it means to belong to that society.
Define ‘values’
These are general beliefs about what is right and wrong and the important standards with maintaining in society. Values are the things which we see as important - eg family, equal rights, education, etc. values are often linked to moral views. They are also RELATIVE.
define ‘roles’
A social role is the expected behaviour of a person based on their social position. Individuals may have many which that they occupy, each with different expectations. Action theorist Goffman believes that we act out our roles using props. People can experience ROLE CONFLICT between varying roles.
Define ‘status’
A person’s social standing in society. Often linked to respect, prestige, and admiration from others. Status groups exist in a hierarchy with some having higher status than others. Status can be gained at bird and remain relatively fixed (ASCRIBED) or be ACHIEVED through work and effort.
Define ‘social control’
This refer to the mechanisms in society that encourage conformity to social norms. Social control can be formal or informal depending on whether it is officially recognised. Social control is carried out using SANCTIONS (positive or negative).
Define ‘socialisation’
This is the lifelong process of learning one’s culture. While social control encourages people to conform to norms etc, socialisation TEACHES people about their culture.
Define ‘global culture’.
This refers to those aspects of culture that are worldwide, such as brands like Nike and McDonalds. Music and media also connect communities. Global culture implies we are all becoming very similar in what we buy and how we look.
Define ‘popular culture’
Culture mass produced for mass consumption. It is often seen as ‘dumbed down’, trivial, bland, or superficial. This is the culture preferred by the ordinary people in society, eg soap operas and tabloid newspapers. HOWEVER the boundaries are BLURRING.
define ‘high culture’
Refers to artistic and intellectual works which are seen to be of the highest quality. Often seen as enjoyed by a superior or sophisticated select few. Linked to the upper class, who are wealthier and seen as ‘more cultured’ in their tastes
Define ‘globalisation’
The free and rapid movement around the globe of different cultural ideas, styles and products that can be picked up or discarded - and changed and adapted to fit with different cultural groups. The increasing interconnectedness of cultures in terms of economies, fashion, food, music, and the environment.
Define ‘cultural hybrids’
Hybrid identities draw on aspects from 2 or more cultural identities, hybrids are a mixture of cultures brought together to create something new and different. Globalisation is making hybrids increasingly common especially for ethnic minorities who adapt to new cultures and ‘pick and mix’ their identities.
Define ‘subculture’.
A smart part of a larger culture or society with it’s own distinct set of values and norms, but shared other norms and values of the larger culture.
