Cultural Theories
What cultural theory suggests blending all cultures into one unified identity?
Melting Pot
A nation celebrates Independence Day with fireworks, parades, and patriotic speeches about its past struggles for freedom. Which factor has shaped this cultural celebration?
History
A tourist says, “These people eat strange food, it's disgusting!” What type of culture conflict is being displayed?
Ethnocentrism
What kind of taboos are common in religious settings?
Eating certain foods, dressing a certain way, or rituals.
Which term describes the spread of culture through migration to a new location?
Relocation Diffusion
What cultural theory supports the idea of multiculturalism, where different cultures coexist and maintain their identity?
Salad Bowl
A country with strict media censorship bans movies that criticize the government or promote values seen as "unpatriotic." Which factor is shaping this cultural restriction?
Politics
A student is told they "don’t look smart enough to be in the science club." Later, they’re left out of team projects. What type of cultural conflict is happening here?
Discrimination (possibly based on appearance or background).
Why is it important to learn about taboos before traveling?
To avoid offending people and show respect.
If a popular song from the United States becomes popular in many countries without people moving, what type of cultural diffusion is happening?
Expansion Diffusion
What is a key weakness of the melting pot theory in multicultural societies?
It may cause minority cultures to lose their identity.
A nation that was under authoritarian rule for 40 years still shows signs of centralized control today: people are cautious when speaking openly, public art must follow state guidelines, and traditional values are emphasized in schools. Which factor most strongly shaped this cultural mindset?
Politics
Why are stereotypes harmful even when they seem "positive" (e.g., "all Asians are good at math")?
Because they oversimplify individuals, create unfair expectations, and ignore personal differences.
How do taboos reflect a culture’s values?
They show what is considered sacred or unacceptable.
Multiculturalism is often seen as a strength in societies. How does multiculturalism affect the diffusion of culture in a nation?
Multiculturalism promotes the exchange of ideas, customs, and traditions from various cultures.
Why is the salad bowl model more aligned with international human rights frameworks?
Because it respects cultural diversity, autonomy, and freedom of expression, which are key human rights principles.
A country where natural disasters are common has developed community rituals to ward off danger, and buildings are designed with specific protective symbols. What factor most directly led to these practices?
Geography
An international school celebrates only Western holidays like Christmas and Halloween, even though the majority of its students come from Asia and the Middle East. Which cultural conflict is this an example of?
Cultural Dominance — prioritizing one culture over others in a diverse setting.
How do cultural taboos contribute to the preservation of tradition in a society?
Taboos help maintain societal values and practices by discouraging behaviors that contradict long-standing traditions.
Does the concept of multiculturalism support OR challenge the idea of cultural assimilation in a society today?
Multiculturalism challenges the idea of cultural assimilation. Multiculturalism promotes the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society, encouraging the preservation of individual cultural identities.
A government introduces a national holiday that celebrates only the dominant ethnic group. Which cultural theory does this most reflect, and why?
The melting pot theory, because it prioritizes one cultural narrative over others, encouraging uniformity.
A country located along ancient trade routes has a rich cuisine that blends Chinese spices, Arab cooking techniques, and local tropical fruits. The population also celebrates a mix of foreign and indigenous holidays, and many people are multilingual. Which cultural factor best explains this blending of cultures?
Geography
A multinational company advertises beauty products using light-skinned models and Western beauty ideals, causing insecurity in a region. Which cultural conflict does this represent?
Cultural Dominance – Western standards are being imposed globally through media and marketing.
How do cultural taboos around gender roles impact a society’s views on leadership and employment?
Taboos may limit opportunities for individuals, particularly women, in leadership and employment positions, reinforcing traditional gender norms.
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