How do you feel about the concept of dominant cultures? Which theoretical perspective discussed in this chapter most represents your perspective on culture? What do you think is the most significant
SOC 101 Chapter 3 Culture How do we view our culture? How do we view others? How do they view us? Foot binding vs. heels Culture- is the total way of life shared by members of a community Shared and learned Not innate Symbolic—ex. Tattoos, mascots Varies over time and place Material and non-material Animal culture? Ideology- a system of concepts and relationships, an understanding of cause an effect Cultural scripts-modes of behavior or understanding that are not universal or natural Functionalism- Culture underlies all interaction Conflict- Culture is a social product Cultural capital Symbolic Interactionist- how do people interpret culture Reflection theory Cultural relativity and ethnocentrism Language Carrier/embodiment of culture Language as symbol Language as framework Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis- language can affect how people see reality Inequality in language Values-are the abstract standards in a society or group that define ideal principles. Values define what is desirable and morally correct, determining what is considered right and wrong, beautiful and ugly, good, bad, etc. Example-freedom, democracy Freedom to do what? Textbook Jefferson quote “No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms(1st draft) [within his own lands or tenements]”(third draft VA constitution…complete statement removed from final publication) Norms- specific cultural expectations on behavior Folkways- general/customs Mores-strict norms Laws Sanctions-methods of control that enforce culture Positive & negative Taboo-serious violations Ethnomethodology-(Garfinkel) by violating norms they are revealed Beliefs-shared ideas held collectively by people within a given culture about what is true Dominant Culture Subcultures Counter cultures Assimilation Multiculturalism/pluralism Cultural diffusion Global Culture Technology Media-any formats or vehicles that carry, present or communicate information Mass media Pop Culture High Culture Digital divide Reflection Hypothesis Hegemony- a condition by which the dominant group uses its power to elicit the voluntary ‘consent’ of the masses. Consumerism-the steady acquisition of material possessions, often with the belief that happiness and fulfillment can thus be achieved. Cultural lag Cultural shock Cultural change Response to changing conditions Cultural diffusion Innovation Imposition by force