Key concepts Flashcards
What is culture?
Culture refers to the way of life in a society or social group comprising of values and norms which include language and history. One example is British culture which can be seen as centred around being traditional due to its long standing history such as the monarchy and this is reflective through the tradition of coronations. Another example is French culture’s emphasis on food through the variety of landscapes suchas a forests and coasts helping to produce a range of produce.
What are norms?
They are culturally accepted forms of behaviour that reflect key values in society. They are taught to others via socialisation. One example of a norm is table manners when you are eating. In the UK, people use a knife and fork to reflect the value of politeness as it gives others a good representation of yourself. Another example is listening to others when they speak. This helps to present you as an understanding person with good communication skills because you are reflecting key values of respect and free speech.
What are values?
They are important beliefs and ideas that individuals and society see as important so they guide our behaviour in society. Values vary based on culture therefore they are critical for transmitting and teaching a culture’s beliefs. One example is justice as everyone in the UK has the right to a fair trial. Another example is honesty as it helps us to navigate social interactions by being consistent with a sense of self as a good person
What are subcultures?
Subcultures are minority social groups that follow mainstream culture, values and norms however they have their own interests and practices. One example is spectacular subcultures which describe flamboyant and highly visible subcultures across the UK. Social anxiety is built up surrounding them as they call formal sanctions and traditional views into question. CCCS define it as a social class issue. Teddy boys, punks and other subcultures from the 50s and 70s are examples. Another example is delinquent subcultures to refer to youth deviance such as joy - riding, vandalism and other anti - social behaviour which may not be necessarily be criminal.
What is high culture?
The use of aesthetically and intellectually pleasing products in order to look superior. This is often associated with upper class culture which Marxists believe to be superior. One example is private education, due to its price, it is less accessible for the general public and the quality learning is seen as intellectually superior. Another example is classic literature which due to the changes in language, it is seen as harder to understand and presenting it as a source of high culture
What is popular culture?
These are products and practices that are enjoyed by the majority of people. Since you need a lack of knowledge to understand it, it is seen as inferior to high culture. Marxists however view popular culture as a type of social control. One example is daytime television such as Coronation street as they portray the life like situation making them accessible. Furthermore, their longevity creates a sense of familiarity amongst the public. Another example is the use of mobile phones due to their availability and acceptability as a form of socialisation allows it to be seen as more convenient
What is global culture?
A set of shared experience, norms, symbols and ideas that unite people at a global level to reflect a standarisation of cultural expressions around the world. Global culture is spread through mass communication as globalisation has allowed the world to become more connected and interdependent. One example is the growth of American fast food such as McDonalds that utilise their products and advertisements to keep up to date with cultural trends and emphasise idealised American values like freedom to maintain large scale markets. Another example is global sporting events that involve the participation of most countries drawing them together through a sense of celebration, national pride as well as competition
What is consumer culture?
It is when a person’s social status, norms and activities are centred around the consumption of goods and services. Marxists view consumer culture negatively as it significantly contributes to capitalism and it leads to alienation amongst people as they lose human qualities because of their drive for the newest product. This has risen over the last few decades due to improved living standards including wage increase and a larger variety of goods. One example is the normalisation of credit card debt. This is because people become unaware of the money they have spent. Another example is social media as more people post pictures of their most recent purchases encouraging others to invest in their advertise products or services
What is cultural diversity?
This is when different cultures live among one but despite having different interests and practices, they share similar norms and beliefs allowing them to appear as a cohesive society. One example is linguistic diversity where different languages or dialects coexist in the same territorial unit. It can be used as an indicator o the overall diversity of the country as in Brazil, 188 languages are spoken. A second example is political diversity which helps to fulfil different political interests. It helps to bring people together in order to create a governing body that respects and accepts human and political interests
What is cultural hybridity?
Where two of more cultures are mixed together which is often presented as a product or service. It can result from encounters of people from different backgrounds, beliefs, races, languages and religion which is helping to challenge existing cultural identities. One example is the creation of the chicken tikka masala . A UK chef wanted to combine the texture of gravy with the flavours of an Asian curry to appeal to the taste buds of a British target audience. Another example is Jafaican which is a style of speech used in particular areas of London by young white people which is influenced by African - Caribbean speech. It isn’t an attempt at Jamaican speech but a product of the multiculturalism within London that creates a hybrid dialect
