chapter 3 study questions Flashcards
(19 cards)
define culture
the lens through which we percieve and evaluate the world around us
describe how culture effects us
- culture is learned
- teaches us our norms, values and roles
- norms will differ depending on the culture of where you are from
define ethnocentrism
the belief that one’s own culture is superior and often leads to juudging others cultures
define cultural relativism
the idea that a culture should be judged based on their own standards and not the standards of other cultures that have nothing to do with them
why do colleges teach about non-western cultures and why it’s part of the degree plan?
to discourage ethnocentrism and thevalue of multiculturalism
define culture shock and why is it important to experience it
when you are put into another culture that you don’t understand. It makes a person really rethink and relearn how they are viewing the world and their environment
define material culture
physical and tamgible objects
- technology
- traditional clothing
- monuments
define non-material culture
beliefs, norms, customs and language
- religious beliefs
- “please” and “thank you”
- concepts
define mores
deeply held social beliefs that dictate what’s right and wrong
- laws against murder
- expectations of honesty
- religious or cultural taboos`
define laws
formal, written rules/ type of norm
- criminal laws
- civil laws
- traffic laws
define folkways
informal norms that have no serious punishment but might earn you some sideways glances
- smiling when saying hello
- holding doors open
- eating with utensils
define taboos
strongest type of social norm in which they are strictly forbidden and punishable
- incest
- cannibalism
- burning a national flag
differentiate between subcultures and countercultures
subcultures- a group that shares similar beliefs and interests such as gamers and goths
countercultures- a group that actively rejects social norms and values like the hippie movement and anarchist groups
define ideal culture
values and beliefs a society claims an aspires to hold such as the belief in equality and a peaceful society
define real culture
the opposite of ideal culture, which are the values and beliefs a society actually holds.
- instead of the ideal value of equality, there may be competition and inequality
define cultural leveling
when different cultures become more similar due to globalization and communication
define positive vs. negative sanctions
- positive: rewards or incentives
- negative: punishments or penalties
both for the betterment of society
define formal vs. informal sanctions
- formal: government laws and terminations
- informal: social disapproval and shaming
