Society, Culture, and Sub-Cultures Flashcards
Culture is…?
Culture is learned, shared, transmitted, cumulative, human.
What is material culture?
The physical and technological aspects of people’s lives, including all the physical objects that members of a culture create and use.
What is non-material culture?
People’s values, beliefs, philosophies and ideologies. All aspects of culture that do not have a physical existence.
What is cultural adaptation?
The process by which environmental pressures are addressed through changes in practices, traditions, and behaviours.
What is an example of cultural adaptation?
The Americanization of popular culture in Canada after the introduction of radio and television.
What are examples of cultural universals?
Athletic sport, language, dancing, funeral ceremonies, gift giving.
What are non-material aspects of culture?
Values, norms, folkways, mores, laws, sanctions.
What are values?
Beliefs about ideal goals and behaviours that serve as standards for social life. E.g., giving to charities.
What are norms?
Culturally defined rules that outline appropriate behaviours e.g., shaking hands when you meet someone
What are folkways?
Informal norms that suggest customary ways of behaving E.g., men opening doors for women
What are mores?
Norms that carry a strong sense of social importance. E.g., not cheating on one’s wife or husband.
What are laws?
Norms that are formally defined and enacted in legislation.
What are sanctions?
Penalties for norm violations or rewards for norm adherence. E.g., hockey players who are suspended from playing for fighting.
