Culture In anthropology Flashcards
What is Culture?
The total system of ideas, values, behaviours, and attitudes shared by most members of society
How would you define Canadian Culture?
It has heavy French and English influences, with a light FNMI influence.
- Canada is also diverse because of immigration
Cultural Belief
Cultural beliefs shape what we do, say and make, and individuals can be different because they have different cultural beliefs. Different cultures can also adapt over time.
Misunderstanding Culture
Individuals can misunderstand a culture because it is not something that they are used to in their culture, so it can cause them to assume things, or take offence.
What is marriage important to many cultures?
Marriage is important in different cultures because it signifies the formal joining of two.
Benefits: reproduction kinship relationships, defines roles in the family, economic benefits, formalize a union and it can bring peace and prosperity.
NON MATERIAL CULTURE
thoughts and behaviours we learn and share with others Examples: Dance beliefs humour funerals/grieving marriages Traditions and holidays rules and norms Values
MATERIAL CULTURE
All physical objects humans create and give meaning to. Examples: Food Clothing Gifts
VALUES
Standards of what is important, good, true, ethical Examples: we can value our families honesty religions hard work diligence respect
NORMS
Expectations of how people should behave (What’s normal)
Examples: Manners, Relationships (asking out people.) How people eat food, the ways we greet and socialize with people, Religion, marriage, friendships
SYMBOLS
Physical objects, colours, movements, etc that convey information and have a culturally assigned meaning. Examples: Flags Wedding dresses Religious books, statues pieces of jewellery colours flowers
BELIEFS
Shared ideas explaining the world and reaffirming group affiliation
Examples:
Religious
Scientific
ROLES
Positions, rights, obligations for social situations - A position that we hold in society Examples: Such as teachers, daughters, sisters and brothers mothers and fathers
