5 Components of Culture Sociology Ms. Shipp

Learning Intention  TIW – describe and identify examples of the 5 components of culture  SIC – analyze various cultures and subcultures  IKW – I can list the 5 components and give an example of each

What do you mean, Components?  Component = part  Components of culture are aspects that sociologists look at when studying a culture or group of people

#1 – Language (pp )  What language do they speak?  How is it used?  What does it say about the culture? i.e. – Atlanta – 1 word for snow Colorado – 2-4 words Inuits – about 12 words  Slang? (that’s so fetch) ;)

#2 – Norms (pp )  Norm – rules defining acceptable and unacceptable behavior for a given culture  3 types – folkways, mores, laws  Vary in importance and often based on a culture’s values, morals, and beliefs Please and thankyou

#3 – Values (pp )  Values – broad ideas about what is good or desirable shared by people in a group  They influence behavior  What are the basic values in the United States?

# 4 – Symbols (pp. 77)  Symbols – things that stand for or represent something else  Shared meaning  Can be physical object, language, gesture  What are some symbols of American culture?

#5 – Physical Objects (pp. 92-3)  Physical objects – concrete objects of a culture – you can touch them  American flag is both a physical object and a symbol

Material v. Nonmaterial Culture  Material Culture – physical objects you can touch  Nonmaterial – intangible; can’t touch it i.e. – beliefs, values Material or nonmaterial? Dollar billNational AnthemConstitution ReligionMoralsArt

Assignment:  Analyze the culture of WHS using 5 Components