Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20051 Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach 7/e James M. Henslin Chapter Two: Culture James M. Henslin Chapter.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20051 Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach 7/e James M. Henslin Chapter Two: Culture James M. Henslin Chapter Two: Culture This multimedia product and its contents are protected under copyright law. The following are prohibited by law: any public performance or display, including transmission of any image over a network; preparation of any derivative work, including the extraction, in whole or in part, of any images; any rental, lease, or lending of the program.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20052 What Is Culture? Culture consists of all the shared products of human groups. These products include both physical objects and the beliefs, values, and behaviors shared by a group

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20054 Material and Non-material Culture Material Material  The physical objects that people create and use  Examples include: cars, books, buildings, computers etc. Non-material Non-material  Abstract human creations  Examples include: beliefs, family patterns, ideas, language, political and economic systems

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20056  What is Normal, Natural, or Usual?  The Culture Within Us  Culture as Lens  Culture Shock  Ethnocentrism Culture and Taken-for-Granted Orientations

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20057 Ethnocentrism Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group Example: Hitler During WWII-Aryan Race; Columbus Example: Hitler During WWII-Aryan Race; Columbus

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200510 Cultural Relativism Cultural relativism is the principle that one's beliefs and activities should be interpreted in terms of one's own culture. Cultural relativism is the principle that one's beliefs and activities should be interpreted in terms of one's own culture. Example: Saying Putting Rings around your neck is wrong because your culture feels it is humiliating. Example: Saying Putting Rings around your neck is wrong because your culture feels it is humiliating.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200515 Technology The combination of objects and the rules for using those objects. The combination of objects and the rules for using those objects. Using material culture requires knowledge of various skills, which is part of the nonmaterial culture. Using material culture requires knowledge of various skills, which is part of the nonmaterial culture. Example: Having a silicon chip and understanding how the chips work. Example: Having a silicon chip and understanding how the chips work.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200517 Symbols The use of these is the basis of human cultures. The use of these is the basis of human cultures. It is through symbols that we create our culture and communicate it to group members and future generations. It is through symbols that we create our culture and communicate it to group members and future generations. Examples: word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event Examples: word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200520 Language Is the organization of written or spoken symbols into a standardized system. Is the organization of written or spoken symbols into a standardized system. When organized through the use of grammar, words can be used to express anything. When organized through the use of grammar, words can be used to express anything. English is our primary language, but not our official language. English is our primary language, but not our official language.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200521  Allows Human Experience to be Cumulative  Provides a Social or Shared Past  Provides a Social or Shared Future  Allows Shared Perspectives  Allows Complex, Shared, Goal-Directed Behavior Language and Culture

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200523 Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis Language determines the content of culture Language determines the content of culture Language shapes the way people who speak different languages perceive the world in different ways Language shapes the way people who speak different languages perceive the world in different ways People are conditioned by their language to notice some features of the real world and ignore others. People are conditioned by their language to notice some features of the real world and ignore others. If a language has no word for an object, it is insignificant. If a language has no word for an object, it is insignificant. When many words are provided for an object, people are forced to think about it in a complex way. When many words are provided for an object, people are forced to think about it in a complex way. Example: Inuit People and Snow Example: Inuit People and Snow

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200525  Values—What is Desirable in Life  Norms—Expectations or Rules for Behavior  Sanctions—Reaction to Following or Breaking Norms  Positive Sanctions  Negative Sanctions Values, Norms, and Sanctions

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200526 Values Language and other symbols allow us to communicate our values. Language and other symbols allow us to communicate our values. Values are shared beliefs about what is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable. Values are shared beliefs about what is good or bad, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable. The types of value held by a group help to determine the character of its people and the culture they create. The types of value held by a group help to determine the character of its people and the culture they create.  Examples-Yanomamo (Napoleon Chagnon)-Fierce People  Examples-San People-Based on peace and cooperation

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200529 Norms All groups create norms to enforce their values All groups create norms to enforce their values Norms are shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations. Norms are shared rules of conduct that tell people how to act in specific situations. Norms are expectations for behavior, not actual behavior. Norms are expectations for behavior, not actual behavior. Examples: covering your mouth when you cough, do not kill, say please etc. Examples: covering your mouth when you cough, do not kill, say please etc. Some norms apply to everyone, but others are selective: Marriage in USA (clergy, children), killing a person (police, soldiers) Some norms apply to everyone, but others are selective: Marriage in USA (clergy, children), killing a person (police, soldiers)

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200532 Folkways Are norms that describe socially acceptable behavior but do not have great moral significance attached to them. Are norms that describe socially acceptable behavior but do not have great moral significance attached to them. They outline common customs of everyday life. They outline common customs of everyday life. Examples: Don’t put food in your mouth with a knife, don’t let the flag touch the ground, shake hands when introduced to someone, get to class on time, do your homework Examples: Don’t put food in your mouth with a knife, don’t let the flag touch the ground, shake hands when introduced to someone, get to class on time, do your homework

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200534 Mores Have great moral significance attached to them Have great moral significance attached to them The violation of these rules endangers society’s well-being and stability The violation of these rules endangers society’s well-being and stability Examples- fraud, dishonesty, murder Examples- fraud, dishonesty, murder Society has established punishments for violating mores in order to protect the social well-being and stability Society has established punishments for violating mores in order to protect the social well-being and stability More serious laws are formalized as laws-written rules of conduct enacted and enforced by the government. More serious laws are formalized as laws-written rules of conduct enacted and enforced by the government.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200536 Taboo Something you just don’t do in a society. Something you just don’t do in a society. Examples- Eating a human being, Marrying family members Examples- Eating a human being, Marrying family members

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200538  Subculture—A World Within the Dominant Culture  Countercultures—Groups With Norms and Values at Odds With the Dominant Culture Subcultures and Countercultures

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200539 Variation Within Societies Subculture Subculture  Cultures within cultures  Ex. Bikers, Teenagers, Republicans Counterculture Counterculture  A culture that is against the dominant culture.  Ex. Anarchists, Biker gangs, Hate groups

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200541 Culture Traits The simplest level of culture The simplest level of culture A culture trait is an individual tool, act, or belief that is related to a particular situation or need. A culture trait is an individual tool, act, or belief that is related to a particular situation or need. Example: Using knives, spoons and forks when eating is a culture trait, Saying “Hi” when you see a friend. Example: Using knives, spoons and forks when eating is a culture trait, Saying “Hi” when you see a friend.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200543 Culture Complexes Individual culture traits combine to form the next level. Individual culture traits combine to form the next level. A culture complex is a cluster of interrelated traits. A culture complex is a cluster of interrelated traits. Example: Football is a culture complex that involves a variety of traits Example: Football is a culture complex that involves a variety of traits  Material: Football, spikes, helmets, pads, sideline benches  Acts of Football: Passing, kicking, tackling  Beliefs related: Penalties, rules

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200545 Culture Patterns Culture complexes combine to form larger levels called culture patterns. Culture complexes combine to form larger levels called culture patterns. A culture pattern is the combination of a number of culture complexes into an interrelated whole. A culture pattern is the combination of a number of culture complexes into an interrelated whole. Example: Separate complexes of baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf and weightlifting combine to form the American athletic pattern. Example: Separate complexes of baseball, basketball, football, hockey, golf and weightlifting combine to form the American athletic pattern.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200547 Body Ritual Among the Nacirema http://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/miner.html http://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/miner.html http://www.msu.edu/~jdowell/miner.html 1. What is the shrine that miner refers to? 2. What does the box chest in the shrine represent? 3. What are the various rites and rituals described by Miner?

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200549 Values in U.S. Society Achievement and Success ProgressEquality Individualism Material Comfort Racism and Group Superiority Activity and Work HumanitarianismEducation Efficiency and Practicality FreedomReligiosity Science and Technology Democracy Romantic Love

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200551 Value Contradictions and Social Change “It is precisely at the point of value contradictions, then, that one can see a major force for social change in a society.”

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200553 Cultural Variation Looking at common traits and finding how different cultures perform these activities. Looking at common traits and finding how different cultures perform these activities.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200555  Some Activities are Universal—Courtship, Marriage, Funerals, Games, etc.  Specific Customs Associated with Activities Differ Between Groups Cultural Universals

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200557 George Murdock 1940’s came up with a list of more than 65 cultural universals. 1940’s came up with a list of more than 65 cultural universals. Examples: Body adornment, cooking, dancing, family, feasting, forms of greeting, funeral ceremonies, gift giving, housing, language, medicine, music, myths, folklore, religions, sports and toolmaking. Examples: Body adornment, cooking, dancing, family, feasting, forms of greeting, funeral ceremonies, gift giving, housing, language, medicine, music, myths, folklore, religions, sports and toolmaking.

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200559  Controversial View of Human Behavior  Biology Cause of Human Behavior  Charles Darwin and Natural Selection  Sociologists and Social Biologists on Opposite Sides Sociobiology

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200561 Margret Mead Conducted a classic study of cultural variation. Conducted a classic study of cultural variation. Wanted to determine whether differences in basic temperament, result mainly from inherited characteristics or from cultural influences Wanted to determine whether differences in basic temperament, result mainly from inherited characteristics or from cultural influences To do this she observed many tribes in New Guinea To do this she observed many tribes in New Guinea Two of the tribes studied were the Arapesh and the Mundugumor Two of the tribes studied were the Arapesh and the Mundugumor

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200563 The Arapesh Are contented, gentle, non-aggressive and warm people. Are contented, gentle, non-aggressive and warm people. Society is based on cooperation Society is based on cooperation They live in a close knit villages consisting of clans- families with a common ancestor. They live in a close knit villages consisting of clans- families with a common ancestor. Women bring in firewood and water, prepare the daily meals and carry goods from place to place Women bring in firewood and water, prepare the daily meals and carry goods from place to place Men clear and fence land, build and repair houses, carry heavier loads, hunt and carve ceremonial food. Men clear and fence land, build and repair houses, carry heavier loads, hunt and carve ceremonial food. Both take part in childcare Both take part in childcare Children grow up in a loving and caring society Children grow up in a loving and caring society Children are encouraged to be non-aggressive Children are encouraged to be non-aggressive The culture also arranges marriages usually one husband, one wife The culture also arranges marriages usually one husband, one wife

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200565 The Mundugumor They are aggressive, competitive, jealous, violent They are aggressive, competitive, jealous, violent They enjoy fighting, and were headhunters They enjoy fighting, and were headhunters Open hostility force the tribe to scatter it’s residences across the bush Open hostility force the tribe to scatter it’s residences across the bush Great hostility between brothers and fathers and sons; as well as between sisters and mothers and daughters Great hostility between brothers and fathers and sons; as well as between sisters and mothers and daughters The “rope” is an inheritance system. The “rope” is an inheritance system.  The father and his daughters and their sons  The mother and her sons and their children  Once one member of the rope dies, his or her belongings get passed down the rope Wealth and power for men come from having many wives (8-10) Wealth and power for men come from having many wives (8-10) Childcare is harsh: No direct contact with the mother, no comforting, can’t cling to mothers or wander out of sight Childcare is harsh: No direct contact with the mother, no comforting, can’t cling to mothers or wander out of sight Harsh punishments including beating if you break a rule as a child Harsh punishments including beating if you break a rule as a child

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 200567 Comparing the Two Societies Mead concluded that temperament is mainly the result of culture rather than biology. Mead concluded that temperament is mainly the result of culture rather than biology. The differences in temperament was much greater between the two societies, than between males and females in the same society The differences in temperament was much greater between the two societies, than between males and females in the same society

Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20051 Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach 7/e James M. Henslin Chapter Two: Culture James M. Henslin Chapter.

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Chapter 2: Culture Copyright © Allyn & Bacon 20051 Sociology: A Down-to-Earth Approach 7/e James M. Henslin Chapter Two: Culture James M. Henslin Chapter.

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