Defining Terms
Define Culture
Culture is the beliefs, way of life, art, and customs that are shared and accepted by people in a particular society
Define Cultural Universals
traits found in all societies
Give an example of a subculture in your school
Athletes, cheerleaders, "theatre kids," "country boys"
How does language change between generations?
Slang and new words emerge (e.g., "lit," "GOAT"), while older phrases become outdated.
What is cultural diffusion?
The spread of cultural elements from one society to another.
Define Subculture?
Subcultures are those groups that have values and norms that are distinct from those held by the majority.
Give an example of a cultural universal
Family, religion, language, etc.
What is a counter culture?
A counterculture opposes the dominant culture and seeks to change it.
Name one way younger generations and older generations use technology differently
Younger generations rely more on social media, while older generations prefer traditional media like TV and newspapers.
Give an example of American culture influencing another country.
Fast food chains like McDonald's spreading worldwide.
Define Cultural Relativism
the principle that an individual person's beliefs and activities should be understood by others in terms of that individual's own culture
Give 2 examples of rituals that exist across cultures
Weddings, funerals, coming-of-age rites
Name one famous counterculture movement in American history.
The 60's hippie movement, punk movement, civil rights movement
Which generation is usually more open to change? Older or younger?
Younger people are often more open to change, while older generations may value tradition and stability.
How does technology speed up cultural change?
The internet and social media allow ideas, trends, and news to spread instantly across the world.
Define ethnocentrism
The belief that one's own race or ethnic group is the most important or that some or all aspects of its culture are superior to those of other groups.
Give an example of material culture and non-material culture
Someone wearing a cross (material) to represent their belief in Christianity (non-material)
Bring the phone anyway
What is the generation gap?
The generation gap is the difference in opinions, values, and experiences between younger and older generations, often due to societal changes.
What is acculturation, and how does it differ from assimilation?
Acculturation is adopting some cultural traits while keeping one’s original culture, while assimilation is fully blending into a new culture.
Explain the difference between material and nonmaterial culture
Material culture should be physical items, and the non-material culture should be related to the items they chose.
Explain the difference between what a cultural relativist would say vs. what an ethnocentrist would say about newcomers to their community regarding their traditional clothing
A cultural relativist would say, "Newcomers should be free to wear their traditional clothing, as it is an important part of their cultural identity, and we should respect their choice."
An ethnocentrist would say, "Their clothing is strange or inappropriate, and they should dress like us to fit into our society."
How can a counterculture eventually become mainstream culture?
If enough people adopt its values over time, society may change
How do generational values impact society’s laws and policies?
Younger generations push for new policies (e.g., environmental laws, equality), while older generations may resist rapid change.
What is cultural lag, and why does it happen?
Cultural lag occurs when material culture (technology, innovations) advances faster than non-material culture (laws, ethics, traditions), causing a disconnect.