Cultural Concepts
What is Culture?
Shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society
It includes their customs, traditions, art, language, and beliefs that are passed down from one generation to another.
What are beliefs?
Beliefs are the ideas that people hold to be true.
They can be about religion, values, or the way the world works, and they often shape how people act and think.
What does Values mean?
Values are the principles or standards that a group of people considers important. They guide behavior and help people decide what is right or wrong.
Practices mean...?
The actions or behaviors that people do regularly.
These can include rituals, traditions, and everyday activities that are part of a culture.
What is Cultural Diffusion?
Cultural diffusion is the process by which cultural elements, like ideas, styles, or food, spread from one culture to another. This can happen through trade, migration, or communication.
What is Stimulus Diffusion?
Stimulus diffusion occurs when a cultural element spreads to another culture but is adapted or changed to fit the new culture. For example, a food dish might be made differently in another country.
What does natural interactions mean?
Natural interactions refer to the ways people and cultures connect with each other through everyday life, such as through travel, trade, and communication.
What is a Hearth?
The place where a particular culture or religion originates. It is the center from which cultural practices and beliefs spread.
What is Cultural Relativism?
The idea that we should understand and evaluate a culture based on its own values and beliefs, rather than judging it by the standards of another culture.
What is ethnocentrism?
The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others. This can lead to misunderstanding and negative judgments about other cultures.
What are Taboos? Give an example of a Taboo
Taboos are strong social prohibitions against certain actions or behaviors that are considered unacceptable or forbidden in a culture.
Example:
Cheating in sports or academics.
Using offensive language in public.
What are norms? Give an example of a norm
Norms are the unwritten rules and expectations for behavior in a culture. They guide how people should act in different situations.
Examples:
Saying "please" and "thank you."
Waiting in line for services.
Dressing appropriately for different occasions.
What are cultural artifacts? Provide one example of an artifact.
Cultural artifacts are objects created by a culture that hold meaning and significance.
They can include tools, clothing, art, and other items that reflect the culture's values and beliefs.
What are Mentifacts? Provide one example of a Mentifact.
Mentifacts are the ideas, beliefs, and values that shape a culture. They include things like religion, language, and philosophy.
What are sociofacts? Provide one example
Sociofacts are the social structures and organizations within a culture. They include family systems, political institutions, and social norms.
What is an ethnic religion? What is an example of an ethnic religion and examples of their beliefs?
An ethnic religion is a belief system that is closely tied to a specific ethnic group. It is often practiced by people in a particular region and does not actively seek converts.
Judaism
Belief in one God and following the Torah
What is a Universalizing Religion? What is an example of a religion that is a universalizing religion and what are some examples of their beliefs?
A universalizing religion is a faith that seeks to spread its beliefs to all people, regardless of their culture or background.
Christianity
Belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and the importance of love and forgiveness
What is a Polytheistic Religion? What is an example of a Polytheistic Religion? What are some examples of their beliefs?
Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods.
Hinduism
Belief in many gods like Vishnu and Shiva, and concepts like karma and dharma.
What is an example of a Monotheistic Religion? What is an example of a Monotheistic Religion? What are some examples of their beliefs?
Monotheism is the belief in one God.
Islam
Belief in one God (Allah) and following the Five Pillars of Islam.
What is a Nontheistic Religion? What is an Example of a Nontheistic Religion?
Nontheism is a belief system that does not involve the worship of gods.
Buddhism
Focus on personal spiritual development and the Four Noble Truths.
Explain why Cultural relativism is a better framework to use over ethnocentrism when it comes to learning about a new culture, as well as that culture's norms, values, beliefs, etc.
SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF:
Cultural relativism is better because it encourages understanding and respecting other cultures on their own terms, rather than judging them based on one’s own cultural standards. This approach helps foster empathy and appreciation for diversity, making it easier to learn about and engage with new cultures
Differentiate between the spreading of culture and the mixing of culture. Please provide an example for each
Spreading of Culture: When one culture shares its practices with another, such as the introduction of pizza from Italy to the U.S.
Mixing of Culture: When two cultures blend together to create something new, like the fusion of Mexican and American cuisines to create Tex-Mex food.
Explain the difference between culture appropriation and cultural appreciation
Cultural Appropriation: Taking elements from another culture without permission or understanding, often leading to disrespect.
Cultural Appreciation: Respectfully learning about and valuing another culture, recognizing its significance and context.
Explain the difference between Pop and Folk culture, please give an example for each
Folk Culture: Traditional, localized customs and practices that are often passed down through generations. Examples include local festivals and handmade crafts.
Popular Culture: Mainstream trends and practices that are widely accepted and enjoyed. Examples include blockbuster movies and popular music.
How does the spread of new types of food, like Chinese food to the United States, illustrate the idea of cultural diffusion?
SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES OF
The spread of Chinese food to the United States shows cultural diffusion because it involves sharing a culinary tradition from one culture to another.
People in the U.S. have adopted Chinese dishes, and they often modify them to fit local tastes, which is an example of how cultures can influence each other.