Download Culture Part I: Lecture #3

Culture Part I:
Lecture #3
What is Culture?
Culture –
Material culture –
Nonmaterial culture—
Only humans rely on
culture rather than
instinct to ensure
survival.
Culture
Cultural element (e.g., knowledge, belief, law):
1.
2.
3.
Culture, according to some sociologists, is the
sum total of all cultural elements;
1
Knowledge and Belief
• Culture helps us develop certain
knowledge and beliefs about what goes on
around us.
• Knowledge—
• Beliefs—
The Components of Culture
Although cultures vary, they all have five
common components:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Components of Culture
Symbols
Symbols –
Not understanding the symbols of a
culture leaves a person feeling lost and
isolated.
2
Components of Culture
Language
Language –
Language allows for the continuity of
culture.
Cultural transmission –
Every society transmits culture through
speech.
Components of Culture
Values and Beliefs
Values:
Beliefs:
Components of Culture
Norms
Norms –
Most important norms in a culture apply
everywhere and at all times.
Mores –
Folkways –
3
Social Control
Various means by which members of society
encourage conformity to norms
GUILT
SHAME
Cultural Diversity: Many Ways of Life
in One World
Cultural diversity can involve social class.
Many cultural patterns are readily accessible to
only some members of a society.
High culture –
Popular culture –
Cultural Variation
Cultures exhibit enormous variation
regarding values, norms and roles.
Some cultures have:
Is globalization reducing variation?
4
Anywhere and Everywhere?
Cultural Universals:
Every culture has rules about:
1.
2.
5