Culture Flashcards
(22 cards)
Society
People residing in a define community/place within a particular time
Culture
The beliefs, norms, traditions, customs, values, etc, of people in a particular place at a particular time
It is the WAY of life of a people. It is dynamic
Elements of Culture
- Language
- Music
- Food
- Dance
- Cuisine
- Fashion
- Festivals
Characteristics of culture
D
S
L
A
- Dynamic
- Symbolic
- Learnt
- Adaptive
Functions of culture
- Communication
- Norms
- Right vs Wrong
- Socialization
- Enables us to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally
- Makes it possible for us to anticipate how others in our society are like to respond to our actions. We have established norms and the sanctions that follow if we dont follow
- Gives us the standards to distinguish between right versus wrong.
- Provides methods for training children how to behave
Dominant Culture
The cultural form that is held in the highest regard, receives the most support from major institutions and is legitimized by the dominant belief system.
Culture we aspire to. The culture of the elites.
Folk Culture
The traditions, customs, beliefs and practices that are passed down through generations often within a specific community, region or group
Mass Culture
Cultural products, practices and values that are widely spread and consumed by large segments of the population, often on a global scale.
Popular culture
Cultural products, practices and ideas that are widely accepted, consumed and shared by a large number of people in society
Ideal culture
Values and standards of behavior that people in a society pedestalize; they aspire to.
Real culture
Values and standards of behavior that people ACTUALLY follow in society
Culture Shock
The disorientation people experience when they come into contact with a fundamentally different culture
Cultural Assimilation
The process by which an individual or group from one culture becomes part of another culture, often abandoning their original cultural identity
- lost of original cultural identity
- adoption of dominant culture’s norms, values and practices
- often involves a sense of surrender or suppression of one’s original culture
Acculturation
The process of cultural change and adaptation that occurs when individuals or groups from difference in cultures interact and influence eachother
- cultural exchange and adaptation
- change in cultural norms, values and practices
Interculturation
The process of mutual cultural exchange, understanding and enrichment between individuals 9r groups from different cultures
- mutual respect and appreciation for different cultures
- exchange of cultural practices, norms and values
- focuses on building bridges and fostering understanding between cultures
Cultural Erasure
Intentional or unintentional suppression, distortion or destruction of a culture, its practices and its identity.
- Intentional or systematic suppression
- distortion or manipulation of cultural practices
- destruction of cultural artifacts, traditions or languages
- often perpentuated by dominant cultures or power structures
Eg, colonization and forced assimilation
Cultural Retention
The preservation and continuation of cultural practices, traditions and identity despite external pressures or changes
- preservation of cultural heritage
- continuation of cultural practices
- resistance to cultural suppression or erasure
Cultural Renewal
The revitalization, rebirth or reinterpretation of cultural practices, traditions and identity, often in response to changing circumstances or external influences
- revitalization
- reinterpretation
- adaptation
Functionalist perspective on culture?
- traits
- shared
- reflection
- guidance
- all cultures share similar traits
- societies are held together by their shared values and common symbols. We agree on the systems of social control
- our culture reflects our societies values
- cultural values guide people in making choices
What did Talcott Parsons (functionalist) say on culture?
Culture is defined by symbols and is learnt through socialization at home and is a way of social control.
What do the Conflict theorist say on culture?
- privilege
- feminism
- inequalities
- culture reinforces issues of “privilege” for groups based on race, sex, class, etc. It benefits some but hurts others
- women strive for equality in a male dominated society
- inequalities exist within a culture’s value system
What do interactionist say on culture?
- interpretation
- learnt
- sharing
- transmission
- culture is dependent on how meaning is interpreted and how individuals interact when conveying meanings
- culture is learnt
- sharing a similar culture with others is what defines a society
- culture is preserved through transmission from one generation to the next, but also evolves through processes of innovation, discovery and cultural diffusion
