What is Culture?
Define Culture. How does it differ from society?
Culture refers to the beliefs, behaviors, objects, and other characteristics common to the members of a particular group or society. Society is a group of people who live together in a defined geographic area and interact with each other; culture is the shared way of life within that group.
What is the difference between a norm and a value?
A norm is a rule or guideline for behavior, while a value is a belief about what is right, important, or good.
What is high culture? Give an example.
High culture refers to cultural products and activities associated with society’s elite, like opera, classical music, and fine arts.
What is a subculture? Provide an example.
A subculture is a group within a larger culture that has its own unique values, norms, and practices. An example is the goth subculture.
What is ethnocentrism? Why is it important to understand in sociology?
Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one’s own culture as superior to others. It's important in sociology because it can lead to misunderstandings and bias when studying or interacting with different cultures.
Name three things that make up a culture.
Language, religion, and traditions.
What is a belief? Give an example of a belief in American culture.
A belief is something people accept as true or real. An example of a belief in American culture is the idea that hard work leads to success.
Define pop culture and give an example from recent trends.
Pop culture is the set of ideas, practices, and objects that are widespread in mainstream society. An example is viral TikTok dances.
How is a counterculture different from a subculture?
A counterculture actively opposes and rejects the values and norms of the dominant culture, while a subculture may coexist within the mainstream culture without challenging it. An example of a counterculture is the 1960s hippie movement.
Give an example of a cultural norm at our school.
Examples could include following a dress code, respecting teachers, or participating in school events.
What are two defining characteristics of American mainstream culture?
Individualism and consumerism
Explain the differences between folkways, mores, and taboos.
Folkways are informal norms governing everyday behavior (e.g., shaking hands when greeting), mores are strict norms that are seen as essential to societal functioning (e.g., laws against theft), and taboos are prohibitions against behavior considered to be repugnant or unthinkable (e.g., incest).
What is folk culture? Name an example of a folk cultural tradition.
Folk culture is the traditional practices and beliefs of a small, localized, or rural group. An example is quilt-making in Amish communities.
Name one subculture in America with which you are familiar.
Answers will vary (e.g., skateboarding culture, anime fandom).
What is culture shock? When might someone experience it?
Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation experienced when encountering an unfamiliar culture. It might occur when moving to a new country or environment with different customs.
How is teenage culture different from mainstream American culture?
Teenage culture may include trends in fashion, music, and social media that differ from adult preferences, and teens are more likely to embrace technology and social media.
What is a sanction? Name a sanction for breaking a norm.
A sanction is a reward or punishment for following or violating a norm. A sanction for breaking a norm could be a fine for littering or social disapproval for cutting in line.
How does high culture differ from pop culture?
High culture is often associated with the elite and requires a certain level of education or wealth, while pop culture is widespread, accessible, and appeals to the masses.
Describe the characteristics of that subculture.
(Based on the example given) Skateboarding culture includes a shared passion for skating, a specific style of dress, slang, and participation in skateboarding events.
How can pop culture influence teenagers more than adults?
Teenagers are more impressionable and often more connected to pop culture trends, such as social media, music, and fashion, which shape their identity and social interactions.
What are some examples of the culture at our school?
xamples could include school spirit, traditions like homecoming or pep rallies, school uniforms, or specific social norms like greeting each other in hallways.
How can culture shock and ethnocentrism create problems in a society?
Culture shock can make people feel confused and alienated in an unfamiliar culture, while ethnocentrism can lead to misunderstanding, prejudice, or discrimination against cultures that are different from one's own.
What roles do high, pop, and folk culture play in shaping a society?
High culture helps define a society's intellectual and artistic achievements, pop culture reflects the interests of the general public and influences trends, and folk culture preserves traditional customs and practices within smaller groups.
How do subcultures and countercultures contribute to diversity in a society?
Subcultures and countercultures bring different values, perspectives, and practices to society, enriching it with diversity and sometimes challenging the status quo to foster social change.
How might sanctions differ between folkways and mores?
Breaking a folkway may result in mild sanctions like a dirty look or social disapproval, while breaking a more may result in more serious consequences, such as legal punishment or social exclusion.