Lesson 2 Flashcards
What are the distinguishing characteristics that set one culture apart from others?
Characteristics include behaviors, language, customs, and beliefs
Is eating umfino (wild spinach) a behavior that makes someone a Zulu?
Yes, it is a cultural behavior associated with the Zulu
What is material culture?
Material culture consists of physical objects that people create and attach meaning to, such as cars and computers
What is an example of a superstition linked to material culture?
A rabbit’s foot is considered lucky
How do sociologists gain insight into human behavioral practices?
By discerning functional aspects of material culture
What items are examples of material culture used for cleansing the body?
- Taps
- Showers
- Tubs
- Soap
- Towels
What does communal bathing among Zulu young women signify?
It is guided by non-material culture and is a ritual celebrating purity
What does non-material culture encompass?
- Beliefs
- Values
- Norms
- Symbols
- Language
What are beliefs?
Conceptions that people accept as true about how the world operates
Give an example of a belief related to personal achievement.
Anyone who wants to can grow up to become the president of South Africa
What is an example of a belief related to social interactions?
Ongoing conversation, rather than silence, validates a relationship
What are values?
General, shared conceptions of what is good, right, and important regarding conduct
What is the isiZulu concept of ubuntu?
A worldview that emphasizes shared community values, obligation, and social commitment
What does the isiZulu saying ‘Umuntu, umuntu ngabantu’ mean?
A person is a person through other people
What is the significance of stick-fighting (ukudlala izinduku) in isiZulu culture?
It teaches self-defense and instills notions of male social roles and dignity
What is the role of language in culture?
Language is a system of symbols used to convey meaning and communicate ideas
What must individuals learn to communicate using spoken languages?
- Accepted phonetics
- Grammar rules
True or False: The order of words in a sentence does not affect its meaning.
False
What do sociologists study to understand the values of different societies?
They study which values are most cherished and dominant in a society
What is the importance of socialization in culture?
It shapes individuals’ behaviors, beliefs, and values within a society
Fill in the blank: Non-material culture includes _______.
[beliefs, values, norms, symbols, language]
