Culture Flashcards
Way of life shared by a group of individuals; the knowledge and values that bind a society together
“Rules that guide people’s lives”
culture
The way people organize themselves, usually live in the same region or geographic area
Often share a common culture
“Structure that provides organization for people”
Society
Culture adopted by the highest class segments of a society. Associated with wealth and formality
High culture
Culture in line with the greater societal norms
Normative culture
Culture that exists within mainstream normative society, like attending a sports game or watching a parade
Popular culture
Describes how culture is learned, passing from generation to generation through various childrearing practices
Cultural transmission
Spreading of culture from one group to another
Example: Some people in India celebrate Christmas
Cultural diffusion
The main role of media is to provide entertainment
Also acts as an agent of socialization and enforcer of social norms
Functionalist perspective
Media portrays and exacerbates divisions in society, such as between race or social class
Refers to “gatekeeping” where a small number of people or corporations control information presented in media
Conflict perspective
Looks at media on the micro-level
Examines how it shapes day-to-day behavior of people
Interactionist perspective
Smaller cultural group within a larger culture, often having different beliefs/interests from larger cultures
Subculture
Subculture whose values/norms differ significantly from mainstream, often in direct opposition to mainstream cultural norms
Counterculture
Non-material culture
Ideas, beliefs, values
Example: Christians believing in Jesus as the savior
Symbolic culture
Nonmaterial aspects of a society used to communicate meaning
Example: Folklore, values, laws
Material culture
Physical items that are valued by a society
Examples: Tools, electronics, cars
