S3: Understanding Culture (ch3)

Question 1

defining culture

Answer 1

culture is pervasive in human life - culture governs peoples behaviours

Question 2

culture as layered (Dobbs model)

Answer 2

inner core-Aspects underlie and shape a culture (and behaviour in that culture) i.e. history, identity, beliefs, values, worldviews
intermediate layer - Observable activates as manifestation of culture i.e. activities, rules, rituals, customs
outer layer - Involves institutions of culture, generally accepted and often sanctioned by law i.e. institutions, politics, religions, economics, education

Question 3

Characteristics of culture

1.Culture is holistic

Answer 3

Components make up integrated and interrelated whole

Question 4

2. Culture is learned

Answer 4

a. We are socialized into culture
b. Culture is learned though instruction, observation and imitation -> conscious learning
d. Culture is absorbed ex. Through exposure to our environment -> unconscious learning

Question 5

3. Culture is dynamic, not fixed or static

Answer 5

b. Through influence from other cultures (in context)
c. Through influence from changes in its environment (ex. Political, economic)
d. Aspects of culture may change at different rates: inner core aspects are most resistant to change

Question 6

Culture is ethnocentric

Answer 6

a. Ethnocentrism: own culture is superior to other cultures

b. Ethnocentrism is found in every culture

Question 7

Emic and Etic Approaches to Culture

Answer 7

emic approach - each culture as a unique entity that can only be examined by constructs developed from inside the culture
etic approach- assumes that culture can be examined with predetermined categories that can be applied to all cultures in the search for cultural universals