Sociocultural Exchanges Flashcards
definition of culture
Culture is the inherited ideas, values, beliefs, behaviour, and material objects that, together form a people’s way of life. This includes what we think, how we act, and what we own.
A framework of shared meanings which people who belong to the same community (or group or nation) use to help them interpret and make sense of the world. A culture is the expression of people’s world view. It gives us a sense of “who we are”, where we belong, our own identity and identity with others. It is a process rather than a thing.
components/traits of culture
Symbols/Images — anything that carries a particular meaning recognised by people who share culture (flags, Berlin, beer, Landmarks)
Language — System of symbols that allow people to communicate with one another
- Ensures the continuity of culture (cultural transmission, carrying on the culture)
- Does language shape reality?
- Sapir-whorf thesis claims yes, people perceive the world through the cultural lens of language (Chinese are better in math because they have a more precise language, or 40 words for snow)
Values – Culturally defined standards by which people assess desirability, goodness, and beauty and that serve as broad guidelines for social learning
Beliefs – Specific statements that people hold to be true
- Affect how we perceive our surroundings and form our personalities
- e.g. religion, capitalism or communism
Norms/Customs – Rules and expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members
- Proscriptive: ones that state what we should not do
- Prescriptive: ones that state what we should do (e.g. when to applaud)
Taboos, distinguish between right and wrong
Folkways, distinguish between right and rude
Social control – Ways by which members of a society encourage conformity to norms
Material Culture and Technology – US: Burgers, Chinese: Chopsticks and dresses
cultural heath
An area that has been a rich source of cultural traits
Culture diffuses OUTWARD from a cultural hearth
- Example: America
how cultural hybridity occur
cultural intermixing is due to:
- Migration (e.g. migrant workers)
- Mass media and Internet
- Travel (mass tourism)
- trading links and FDI
- Growth of global brands (IKEA, Coca Cola and other TNC’s) advertising
- Transportation revolution
is Mexico’s culture hybrid?
Mexico’s history has led to a unique and vibrant blending of cultures.
The spirit is exemplified by the culture of the cowboy and has a rich legacy of tradition and valor, of war and peace.
Native American traditions from Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, Aztecs and Spanish colonial influences can be seen in the art and way of life.
Native and modern play a centre role in the country
The languagescape is diverse with 7 million people still speaking indigenous languages and the official Spanish differing a lot from the Castilian Spanish.
The population works hard but are not rich and believe in enjoying a seasonable quiet life, taking pleasures in their siestas.
cultural commodification
When the objects, ideas and traits of a culture become part of the capitalist system of exchange and are bought and sold.
Works two ways: from Western nations to the Developing world and vice versa
- The adoption of ethnic foods in Western cities is seen as ‘chic’ and sophisticated
- Eating at Western style restaurants in the LDC’s is seen as privileged and well off
powerful brands can
- Significantly increase revenue by ensuring higher demand and market share
- Improve profitability by commanding premium prices and offer better supplier terms
- Reduce the costs of entry into new products due to a strong consumer base
- being more resistant to external shocks
brand identity vs. brand image
Brand Identity: everything the company wants the brand to be seen as
Brand image: the totality of consumer perceptions about the brand
Through advertising and other aspects of marketing, a company will try to achieve a close correlation as possible between brand image and brand identity.
Consumer Culture & Children
Modern techniques targeting children
- Viral marketing campaigns using children’s friendships as world-of-mouth networks for spreading ideas and enthusiasm for a product
- Sociological research into children’s habits and preferences
- Gimmicks and ‘advergames’ that disguise advertising and consumer information
Do you think this undermines children’s play time?
- Less creative play?
- Obesity?
the common theme of marketing
consumption
expressed in combination with happiness, youth, success, status, luxury, fashion, and beauty
marketing identifies or creates consumer wants and promoting and selling products and services.
how did McDonalds spread
they spread together with globalisation: from core to periphery
diaspora
the scattering of a culture away from its homeland (e.g. Jews leaving Isael or African slavery)
case study: London
factors affecting immigrants concentration
- More recent immigrants tend to live together or with other ethnic minorities in ‘ethnic villages’
- Those not fluent in English (or the native tongue of the country) will live in areas of high minority concentrations
- Higher social classes those with higher levels of education and income tend to live in areas with a lower concentration of minorities
how groups preserve their culture?
- Cultural institutions, particularly places of worship, play a major role in maintaining tradition by bringing people together on a regular basis, often encouraging traditional language and dress and other cultural norms.
- Continuing migration from the country of origin is a strong factor in preference of culture
- Wearing of traditional dresses
- Social clubs, societies, etc.
- use of ethic language at home and in the community
- visits to original community and visits to migrated communist from the origin (e.g. family)
- education (schools, etc.)
- foodscapes — ethnic cuisine: restaurants, supermarkets, etc.
pros and cons of diasporas
pros
- immigrants do unpopular jobs (good for host)
- The diverse ethnicity makes the economy of the host country more attractive for international trading. Improved economic links with different countries.
- Increased political influence around the World.
- The diasporas preserves cultures and makes those more accessible to the host population (music, food, dance, etc.).
- It can increase tourism in home country, both migrants visiting their homeland and foreigners interested in particular culture (increased awareness)
- An increase in revenue for home and host country e.g. Irish and companies like Guinness.
- Possible remittances from migrants.
cons
- It threatens the host culture, or least the population may feel that way.
- The migrants have a difficult time to adjust to the regulation of the host country.
- They are often forced into ethnic neighbourhoods, since they can only afford houses in a certain area. This creates conflict and concentrated areas of crime and tension. In order to thrive, they need to be spread in the existing culture.
- Loss of workers (“brain drain”)
- Potentially large numbers of people who could claim home citizenship and move back to home country causing overcrowding.
- Exploitation of home culture, possible dilution of home culture.
- Possible political and economic interference from people living outside the country.
- Possible dependency on outside help e.g. remittances.
how to handel indigenous groups concerning cultural diffusion? +case study
Brazilian tribes and rain deforestation
