Definitions Flashcards
(29 cards)
Consumer Culture
The consumption of goods and services is the norm, based on cultural and economic factors, media plays a key role in teaching us what goods and services we should buy to portray our identities. People often express who they are through what they purchase and how they display these items. Examples include; Online shopping , outlets and click and collect.
Cultural Diversity
The existence of different cultural groups within a society. These groups may have different norms, values, languages, and traditions. Example: In the UK, there are communities with British, Indian, and Caribbean backgrounds living together.
Cultural Hybridity
A mix of elements from different cultures. This creates new identities and ways of life through cultural blending.
Example: British Asian individuals may celebrate Diwali while also enjoying Western pop music.
Culture
Norms and values of different groups of society which are transmitted through socialisation from the formal and informal agents. Culture is passed from one generation to another through socialisation.
Example: In British culture, queuing politely is considered normal behaviour.
Customs
Traditional practices or behaviours in a culture. Customs are passed down and followed by members of society.
Example: Giving gifts at Christmas is a custom in many Western societies.
Ethnic Identity
A person’s sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group. This includes shared cultural traits such as language, religion, and traditions. Example: A person of Pakistani heritage may identify strongly with Islamic customs and Urdu.
Feminine Identity
How someone sees themselves and behaves in relation to being female. It’s shaped by society’s expectations and cultural norms. Example: Girls may be encouraged to be caring or wear makeup due to feminine stereotypes.
Formal Social Control
Control enforced by official organisations through rules or laws. It aims to ensure people follow society’s expectations.
Example: Police arresting someone for theft is a form of formal social control.
Gender Identity
A person’s sense of being male, female, or other. It’s shaped by cultural beliefs and socialisation.
Example: Someone might identify as non-binary, not fitting into traditional gender roles.
Global Culture
A culture shared worldwide due to globalisation. People in different countries consume similar products and media.
Example: Fast food chains like McDonald’s are found all over the world.
High Culture
Cultural products seen as intellectually or artistically superior. It is often associated with the upper class and elite.
Example: Attending the opera or ballet is part of high culture.
Identity
How individuals see themselves and how others see them. Identity is shaped by factors like gender, class, and ethnicity.
Example: A person may see themselves as both working-class and British.
Informal Social Control
Unofficial ways society encourages people to follow norms. It includes peer pressure or family disapproval.
Example: A parent telling off a child for being rude is informal social control.
Masculine Identity
How someone understands and expresses their male identity. It’s shaped by cultural and social expectations.
Example: Boys may be taught to be tough and hide emotions due to masculine norms.
Multiculturalism
A society that recognises and celebrates different cultures living together. It encourages cultural diversity and equality.
Example: Schools teaching about multiple religions to reflect student backgrounds.
National Identity
A sense of belonging to a specific nation. It’s often shaped by shared language, symbols, and traditions.
Example: Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee is linked to British national identity.
Nature
The idea that behaviour is influenced by biology or genetics. Traits like aggression or intelligence may be inherited.
Example: A child may be naturally shy due to genetic factors.
Norms
Social rules that define acceptable behaviour. They help maintain order in society.
Example: Saying “thank you” is a norm in polite conversation.
Nurture
The idea that behaviour is learned through environment and upbringing. People learn how to behave from family, education, and media.
Example: A child learns to be polite by copying their parents.
Popular Culture
Culture enjoyed by the majority of people, often spread by media. It includes music, fashion, and TV that are easily accessible.
Example: Reality TV shows like Love Island are part of popular culture.
Primary Socalisation
The first stage of learning culture, happening in early childhood. It mostly happens in the family and teaches basic norms.
Example: A child learns to talk and say “please” from their parents.
Roles
Expected behaviours linked to a social position. People learn how to act in these roles through socialisation.
Example: A teacher is expected to be organised and professional.
Secondary Socialisation
Learning norms and values outside the family. It occurs through institutions like schools, media, and peers.
Example: A teenager learns about teamwork in PE class at school.
Social Class Identity
How a person sees themselves and is seen by others based on their social class.
This identity is shaped by factors like income, job, lifestyle, and education, and influences attitudes and behaviour. Example: Someone from a working-class background may identify with values like hard work and loyalty, and might speak with a regional accent that reflects their class identity.
