Non-material Components Flashcards
4 common non material components
- symbols
- language
- values
- norms
symbols (5)
- anything that meaningfully represents something else (shared meaning among people)
- communicate ideas
- express abstract concepts with a visible object
- interpretation of symbols varies in different cultures
- symbols can affect our thoughts about class, can represent an individual’s economic standing or position in society
language (4)
- is a set of symbols that expresses ideas and enables people to think and communicate with each other
- allows people to share feelings, knowledge, express abstract concepts, rules
- can distinguish people from “outsiders”
- is how we create and pass on culture from one generation to the next
language and social reality (2)
- language express his thoughts and perceptions but also influences perceptions (how we think about something)
- some aspects of the world are seen as important and others are not because people know the world through the vocabulary and grammar of their own language
language and gender (3)
- the english language ignores women by using the masculine form to refer to human beings (mankind, man made)
- words often have a positive meeting when relating to mail power, prestige but negative when relating to female
- some have suggested that inclusive language will lead to a more equal or fair society
language, race, and ethnicity (3)
- words may have more than one meaning, can reinforce negative images or the superiority of one group of people over another (racial slurs/comments)
- “white” lie = good (spare feelings)
- “black” sheep = bad (person in the family)
language diversity in canada (5)
-language is a part of one’s identity, a shared language is essential to a common culture
-canada is officially bilingual
-aboriginal languages in canada are disappearing only 3 of approximately 50 languages are healthy
-aboriginal cultures are oral cultures; culture is passed on through spoken language rather than through and words
>these languages represent distinct histories, linked to the land and traditional knowledge
values (2)
- ideas about what is right or wrong, good or bad, desirable or undesirable in a particular culture
- provide ideals and beliefs about behavior but do not see how we should behave
core values in canada (7)
- equality and fairness
- settle differences peacefully (discuss, consult)
- accommodation, tolerance (for different cultures)
- diversity (balance between a multicultural canada and canadian identity)
- compassion and generosity (social services, healthcare, pension)
- canada’s natural beauty (environment)
- our world image -> committed to freedom, peace, nonviolent change (peacekeeper)
ideal culture - values (2)
- values and standards of behavior that people in the society see the hold/follow
- ex: claim to be law-abiding
real culture - values (2)
values and standards of behavior that people actually follow
-ex: drive over the speed limit, texting while driving
norms (2)
- establish rules of behavior or standards of conduct
- have specific expectations about how we should behave (tell us how to behave)
formal norms (2)
- written down and have specific punishments for violators
- ex: laws
informal norms (3)
- unwritten standards of behavior understood by people who share a common identity
- when violated other people may apply informal sanction
- ex: cut in line -> get a frown, gesture, asked to leave
sanctions - norms (2)
- rewards for appropriate behaviour -> praise, honor, medal
- penalty for inappropriate behaviour -> mild disapproval to life imprisonment
