Unit 3 Flashcards
What is the difference between material culture and non-material culture?
Material culture consists of physical objects, artifacts, or items that hold significance to an individual or society. Non-material culture consists of intangible elements of culture, such as an individual’s beliefs, values, languages, or customs.
Identify three material cultural components of a Japanese tea ceremony.
1) Physical objects such as the tea and utensils 2) The tea room 3) The tea itself 3. Identify three non-material cultural components of a Japanese tea ceremony. 1) How people greet one another 2) How a person holds the tea bowl 3) The different rules of the ceremony
What is the difference between modern culture and folk culture?
Modern culture typically originates in economically developed regions. It prioritizes individualism and personal achievements and is constantly changing. Folk culture is more homogenous and places a stronger emphasis on community and the collective experience
Define subculture
A group of people within a larger society or culture who share a distinct set of beliefs, values, and practices that are different from those of the main culture
What is an indigenous culture?
A culture that is connected to a specific geographic location, has a strong emphasis on community, and often has traditional values. These cultures have ancestral ties to the land and natural resources in the area
Why do many folk and indigenous cultures resist modern technology?
Modern technology diffuses modern culture, often replacing folk and indigenous cultures
Explain the difference between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism.
Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging a culture by the standards of one’s own culture. Cultural relativism is the practice of analyzing or judging a culture by its own standards
What does a cultural landscape consist of?
Visible human modifications of the natural environment, including different religious practices, linguistic characteristics, infrastructure designs, agricultural practices, architectural styles, and land-use patterns
Traditional architecture
Uses resources from the local area. Incorporates the local culture and resources into the design of the building
Modern architecture
Focuses on function over design. Often does not seek to incorporate the local culture into the design of the building
Postmodern architecture
Strives to create a unique look that incorporates the local culture into the design of the building
What is sequent occupance?
The way in which different cultural groups or societies have shaped the cultural landscape of a geographic area over time
How can you determine if a place has traditional gender values when looking at the cultural landscape?
There are many possible answers to this question. For example, cultures with traditional gender roles may have more residential areas that include amenities and facilities that cater to women’s needs, while commercial and industrial areas may offer more amenities and facilities that cater to men’s needs
Describe how places can reflect cultural beliefs and identities.
Neighborhoods may have distinct architecture and cultural landmarks that reflect the traditions and customs of the community (e.g., statues of significant people or events)
Human Characteristics
Birth rates, age distributions, languages spoken, religions
Define the built environment.
The human-made physical surroundings in an area. It encompasses all the constructed human-made features of a place.
Physical Characteristics
Rivers, mountains, vegetation, climate, man-made structures practiced
Identify four things that contribute to a sense of place.
1) Shared community experiences 2) Ethnic traditions, like food and music 3) Local architecture 4) Land-use patterns 5) History
What is a sense of place?
A strong emotional connection or perception a person has of a specific geographic area
Describe the concept of placelessness.
When a place does not invoke any strong response from an individual, this is known as placelessness. It often occurs because the place lacks unique characteristics and identity
Explain how placemaking can contribute to a sense of place.
Placemaking is when a community comes together and transforms a public space for different activities or events. This can create unique memories and personal experiences that resonate with an individual and the location
Describe what happens to local cultures and practices when the global cultural landscape impacts an urban area.
The cultural landscape becomes more homogenized as unique Cultural practices and traditions are replaced by dominant global trends
Language - sense of place
Language is visible on signs and street art. It is also reflected in the unique dialects and colloquialisms used by the local people
Religion - sense of place
Religious institutions impact the cultural landscape and citizens’ daily interactions. For example, in Muslim countries, homes have smaller windows that make it harder to see inside due to privacy concerns and gender roles. In many societies, the celebration of faith is a focal point, bringing together citizens from across the geographic area.
Ethnicity - sense of place
Different ethnic and cultural groups bring unique shops, restaurants, products, traditions, and food to society. They also influence the local architecture (e.g., the sense of place you feel when you walk into a Chinatown in an American city)
What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal forces?
Centripetal forces are forces that unify people and states. Centrifugal forces are forces that divide people and state
Provide an example for each of the categories below: Centripetal Force Centrifugal Force: Language
One central language I Multiple languages being spoken inside a state, which may lead to communication problems
Define the term “diffusion.”
The spread of a cultural element, item, group of people, or phenomenon from one place to another
Provide an example for each of the categories below. Centripetal Force Centrifugal Force: Ethnicity
Similar ethnic groups that have a strong national identity Multiple ethnic groups with a sense of self-determination could cause groups to seek independence
Relocation Diffusion
The physical movement of a culture or group of people from one place to another, resulting in the hearth shrinking The Amish originated in Europe but began to migrate to the United States around the 1700s, originally settling around Pennsylvania but eventually migrating west
Provide an example for each of the categories below. Centripetal Force Centrifugal Force: Religion
One religious group in an area, which could create a unified culture, a sense of civic duty, and a bond between citizens across large geographic areas Multiple religious groups may be at odds with one another, which could lead to increased conflict in a region.
Expansion Diffusion
The spread of a cultural trait or group of people from one place to another through person-to-person contact. Involves the addition of more people who adopt and practice the trait (the hearth remains strong) The spread of Christianity throughout the colonial era.
Contagious Diffusion
The spread of a cultural trait happens in almost all directions without regard to social class, religion, or other cultural factors. When a new YouTube video goes viral, spreading across the world in a matter of days
Hierarchical Diffusion
Diffusion happens through systems that typically center around some form of power. The spread of new fashion trends from urban areas to more rural areas, or from social media influencers to their audiences
Reverse Hierarchical Diffusion
Diffusion starts at the bottom of the power structure and spreads upwards, instead of starting at the top and working its way down. A business that starts in a small town and expands to the surrounding region, eventually reaching larger urban areas.
Stimulus Diffusion
An idea, trait, or innovation spreads from one culture or place to another, but the original idea or trait is adapted to better fit the local culture. McDonald’s, which spread throughout the world, changing its menu and store layout based on the culture of each geographic location
Define hearth
The location in which an idea, culture, belief, or item originated.
What type of diffusion is this and why?: A new music genre emerges in a country and gains popularity among teens. Over time, it starts to influence and blend with the traditional music styles of the region.
Stimulus diffusion. As the music spread, it started to take on traits of other musical genres, which showed that the original trait was adapting to fit the local culture better.
What type of diffusion is this and why?: In a small rural village, a new technology that allows farmers to monitor soil moisture levels spreads quickly among the residents.
Contagious diffusion. The technology spread through the entire village from person to person rather than through a structured system. It did not spread upwards to larger settlements
What type of diffusion is this and why?: The spread of the Spanish language throughout Latin America due to the historical influence of colonization transformed the cultural landscape of the region.
Relocation diffusion. The Spanish relocated to Latin America during the colonial era to colonize the region.
Define “lingua franca.”
A language that is used as a common means of communication between people who speak different languages
Describe one historical reason why English is a lingua franca.
The British Empire expanded across the globe, spreading its culture, religion, language, and political systems
Identify two ways in which the Columbian exchange impacted the world.
New goods and foods were shared between the Old World and New World 2) New diseases were brought to the Americas, leading to the deaths of millions of people
Define creolization.
The process of two cultures or languages coming together to create a new third culture or language. (Traditionally occurs due to colonization)
Identify three other historical events that caused diffusion to occur.
1) The triangular trade 2) The Silk Road 3) Colonization
Define “diaspora.”
The dispersion of any people from their original homeland, often due to forced migration
Explain how technology decreases the impact of distance decay and leads to time-space convergence.
The internet and advancements in technology enable people to interact with other people, businesses, and places quickly and efficiently, resulting in more long-distance interactions and connections between different places
How can globalization impact culture around the world?
Globalization promotes universalizing religions and global cultures. This newly connected world, supported by the internet, has facilitated modern culture to diffuse around the globe and replace folk/indigenous cultures.
Describe one way in which each of the following categories impact culture: Media
Highlights current trends, diffuses information, promotes global culture
Describe one way in which each of the following categories impact culture: Technology
Promotes modern culture, hinders indigenous and folk cultures, allows for rapid diffusion to occur
Describe one way in which each of the following categories impact culture: Politics
Governments create laws that impact the way citizens live, act, and interact with each other. Some laws promote diffusion, while others such as immigration quotas restrict it
Describe one way in which each of the following categories impacts culture: Economics
Advanced economies tend to have a homogenous culture that focuses on large institutions, instead of focusing on family and religion
Describe one way in which each of the following categories impacts culture: Society
Over time, certain cultural trait become prominent in society, causing changes in communities, organizations, and businesses
Explain how the military can promote the diffusion of different ideas.
Military bases are often located around the world. Soldiers stationed at the different bases interact with the local people and culture and bring different foods, goods, ideas, and cultures back home
What is the difference between cultural divergence and cultural convergence?
Cultural divergence is when individuals become separated from different aspects of their culture, often leading people to abandon the traits. Cultural convergence is when different cultures merge together to form one mass culture
Why does cultural divergence occur?
A culture can split into two different cultures due to a lack of interaction. Oftentimes, this is due to barriers within a culture; these barriers can be geographic, linguistic, political, etc.
How does cultural convergence occur?
The more often cultures interact, the more likely they are to become similar and possibly merge into one.
What are universalizing religions?
Any religion that seeks to appeal to all people. These religions seek to expand and spread their teachings and beliefs to as many people as possible
Universalizing Religions: Christianity
Place of Worship: Church
Monotheistic/ Polytheistic: Monotheistic
Description of Faith: One of the Abrahamic religions. It stems back to the teachings of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus? was God’s son, who was sent to earth to save humanity. Important religious texts are the Bible and the Ten Commandments
Hearth : Eastern Mediterranean
Diffusion: Hierarchical diffusion due to missionaries, boarding schools that forced assimilation, and colonization. Also relocation diffusion (e.g., the Mormons who migrated westward from New York)
Universalizing Religions: Islam
Place of Worship: Mosque
Monotheistic/ Polytheistic: Monotheistic
Description of Faith: Currently has two main branches: Sunni and Shia. Can be traced back to a single founder, Muhammad. One of the Abrahamic religions. Muslims believe that you should only worship Allah and no one else.
Hearth :Eastern Mediterranean
Diffusion: Diffused through relocation and hierarchical diffusion due to Arab traders and missionaries who moved throughout the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe
Universalizing Religions: Buddhism
Place of Worship: Pagoda
Monotheistic/ Polytheistic: Does not have a deity
Description of Faith: Its 5 Pillars of Faith guide daily life Created by Siddhartha, also known as the Buddha. Buddhists believe that anyone can reach salvation and that it can be achieved by giving up worldly possessions and desires.
Hearth: South Asia
Diffusion: Hierarchical diffusion due to missionaries. Also diffused through contagious diffusion as other people interacted with the religion
Universalizing Religions: Sikhism
Place of Worship: Golden Temple
Monotheistic/ Polytheistic: Monotheistic
Description of Faith: They follow the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Path Sikhs believe that God is the ultimate guru and that God speaks through the 10 earthly gurus. Hold themselves to a high moral standard and wear distinct items of clothing to represent parts of their faith.
Hearth Eastern: Punjab region
Diffusion: Diffused through relocation diffusion. Little diffusion happened because of the larger religions located on either side of this region
What are ethnic religions?
Religions that are primarily centered around a specific cultural or ethnic group and often stay in one location.
Ethnic Religions: Hinduism
Place of Worship: Mandir (Hindu Temple)
Can be both, depending on how you view the Monotheistic/Polytheistic: Can be both, depending on how you view the Monotheistic religion
Description of Faith: No single founder. Uses the Vedas as a sacred text. Hindus believe in karma. Has a history of being integrated into the Indian caste system
Hearth: South Asia
Diffusion: Originally diffused through stimulus diffusion by attaching itself to traditional faiths and then slowly replacing them
Ethnic Religions: Judaism
Place of Worship: Synagogues Monotheistic/Polytheistic: Monotheistic religion
Description of Faith: Has three main branches: reform, orthodox, and conservative. Traditions come from the teachings of Abraham (another Abrahamic religion!)
Hearth: Eastern Mediterranean
Diffusion: Originally diffused by relocation diffusion due to the Jewish diaspora. Today, the Jewish population considers Israel to be their homeland and a Jewish state
What is the difference between a protolanguage and a language family?
A protolanguage is the earliest form of a language. Often existed before written records. A language family is a group of languages that share a common ancestry
Describe a language branch and group.
A language branch is a subdivision of a language family, while a language group is made up of different languages that are part of a language branch. Languages of a language group have similar vocabulary and grammar
Define “dialect.”
Regional variances in the form of a language based on the local culture. (Variations may include spelling, vocabulary, and/or pronunciation)
Explain the difference between a language and a dialect
A language is a system of communication that a group of people understand to have the same meaning. A dialect is a form of the language with regional differences in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary
What is an isogloss?
A distinct boundary defined by linguistic differences
Assimilation
When an individual or group of people adopts the cultural norms and practices of a dominant group in society. Example Boarding schools were set up in the United States to forcibly assimilate American Indians into the American culture Acculturation
Acculturation
When a culture adopts certain cultural traits of another culture, but the original culture is not lost. People around the world wear modern jeans but still eat their cultural food and practice their family traditions
Syncretism
When two or more cultures evolve or change over time in a similar manner but remain culturally distinct Sikhism started in India and consisted of different elements from both Hinduism and Islam. However, over time, Sikhism developed into its own religion.
Cultural resistance
When an individual, organization, or society resists, rejects, or pushes back against a particular cultural trait, group of people, idea, or good May occur when individuals feel like their way of life is at risk. This can also occur due to negative stereotypes, prejudgments, or xenophobia
Multiculturalism
When a society has a larger diversity of cultures that co-exist within a society
What are the main obstacles to diffusion today?
Political, economic, or cultural barriers. (Physical barriers are no longer a major obst due to advancements in technology and transportation) The United States of America allows different ethnic groups to retain their own identity while still being considered Americans.
