Key Concepts Flashcards
What is the definition of culture in sociology?
The entire way of life of a particular society, including behaviour and beliefs.
This encompasses knowledge, language, faith, art, music, fashion, morals, laws, customs, traditions, and lifestyle.
What are values in the context of sociology?
Beliefs and ideas that society sees as important and accepted by the majority
Examples include life, success, honesty, loyalty, hygiene, and family.
What are norms?
Expected patterns of behaviour based on the values of a culture
Examples include wearing clothes in public, using utensils to eat, and queuing.
How are norms and values related?
Norms are linked to values; specific behaviours are performed because of underlying beliefs
For example, the value of respect underlies norms like listening and obeying.
True or False: Norms and values are fixed and do not change over time.
False
Norms and values can change over time and differ across cultures.
What is the significance of the concept of relative nature of norms and values?
Norms and values are not the same for all people and in all situations
They can vary by space and place, and can change over time.
Fill in the blank: In UK culture, it is a norm to _______ when in public.
wear clothes
What is deviance in sociology?
Behaviour that goes against the norms of a group or society
Deviance often leads to sanctions or consequences.
Provide two examples of cultural values.
- Educational achievement
- Respect
Provide two examples of norms in a school setting.
- Wear the uniform
- Be punctual
What unique cultural practice is associated with the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia?
Males must leap onto the backs of cattle to reach adulthood
Women are whipped before this ceremony to prove their devotion.
What is a significant cultural difference observed in the Ik of Northern Uganda?
The family is not considered important; individuals must fend for themselves
Children and old people are often abandoned if they cannot take care of themselves.
What does the term ‘conform’ mean in the context of societal norms?
To follow the norms most of the time
Fill in the blank: Smoking used to be the norm in pubs but is now seen as _______.
deviant
What does the term ‘sanctions’ refer to in sociology?
Consequences that result from deviance
What aspect of tribal cultures did Mead study?
Male and female behaviour and gender role expectations.
How did the gender role expectations in the Arapesh tribe differ from those in the US?
Both males and females were gentle and cooperative.
What characterizes the Mundugumor tribe’s gender behavior?
Both genders were violent and aggressive.
What is notable about the Tchambuli tribe’s gender roles?
Roles were almost the opposite of those expected in the US and UK.
In the Tchambuli tribe, what were the characteristics of women?
Dominant, aggressive, and not much involved in childrearing.
In the Tchambuli tribe, how were the men described?
Timid, emotionally dependent, and focused on decorating themselves.
What was considered ‘abnormal’ in the Tchambuli tribe?
Aggressive men.
Who argued that the nuclear family is a universal family form?
George Peter Murdock.
What did Murdock study to support his claim about the nuclear family?
Over 250 societies.
