Pre Midterm Flashcards
Culture
A system of knowledge, beliefs, patterns of behavior, artifacts, and institutions that are created, learned and shared by a group of people
ethnocentricism
the belief that one’s own culture or way of life is normal and natural; using one’s own culture to evaluate and judge the practices and ideals of others
cultural relativism
understanding a group’s beliefs and practices within their own cultural context, without making judgements
Magic
The use of spells, incantations, words, and actions in an attempt to compel supernatural forces to act in a certain way, whether for good or evil
Kinship
the system of meaning and power that cultures create to determine who is related to whom and to define their mutual expectations, rights, and responsibilities
Ritual
An act or series of acts regular repeated over years or generations that embody the beliefs of a group of people and create a sense of community and belonging
Religion
a set of beliefs based on a unique vision of how the world ought to be, often revealed through insights into a supernatural power and lived out in community
Gender
the expectations of thought and behavior that each culture assigns to people of different sexes
Sexuality
the complex range of desires, beliefs, and behaviors that are related to erotic physical contact and the cultural arena within which people debate about what kinds of physical desires and behaviors are right, appropriate and natural
Power
The ability or potential to bring about change through action or influence
Ascribed status
Social position inherited, assigned at birth, and passed down from generation to generation with enforced boundaries
achieved status
social position established and changable during a persons lifetime
