1. Introduction to Sociology Kathy Edwards Lecture Two

2. Symbols Objects which represent more than themselves. Symbols are ideas transformed into objects, with meaning. The power of a symbol is the shared meaning.

3. Symbols Objects, rituals, gestures, language The cross, the peace symbol, the flag, the engagement ring

4. Language Language is the most common symbol of humans. Language is how we express our culture. Language is created from our group life. Language represents our reality.

5. Language Language is how we label and describe the world. Share understanding an affirm our existence, consciousness, and expression. Language changes relations and creates new relations.

6. Definitions/Terms Culture shock: experience of contact with a culture that is opposite from one’s own culture. The unfamiliarity creates anxiety or disbelief. Cultural relativism: understanding that each culture on it’s own terms. Not judging another culture, but seeking to understand.

7. Definitions/Terms Definitions/Terms Subculture: small culture within the dominant culture. A microcosm of the larger society, may distinguish itself, but maintains the values of dominant culture. Examples are: 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, pool hustlers, skateboarders, boaters

8. Definitions/Terms Definitions/Terms Counterculture: a particular type of subculture whose values of the group are in opposition to society and it’s values. Countercultures are conflicting with the dominant culture: Satanists, gangs: usually a homogeneous group

9. Definitions/Terms Definitions/Terms Ethnocentric: when you use your culture to judge other individuals or societies, when you see your society as superior to other societies and cultures. Xenocentricism: When you view other cultures superior to your own culture

10. Our culture Often we are programmed by our culture and conditioned…..

11. Sociologists look at the similarities and differences between people and cultures… We examine both material and non material cultural artifacts of the culture. We study the historical data, as well as the people.

12. Education, Income, Race, Ethnicity, Age, Common Interests, Occupation We develop social categories in order to study populations.

13. Attitudes are also part of our culture: emotions, feelings, evaluations. Attitudes are part of non-material culture.