2. What is Culture? Culture: society’s beliefs, history, knowledge, ideas, customs, morals, and norms Cultural Traits: a single object, action, or belief Wedding Ring Handshake Culture Complex: a set of interrelated traits Culture Complex for eating would include table, fork, knives, spoons, plates, and the CUSTOMS of eating

3. Non-Material and Material Culture Material Culture: the concrete objects of a culture Computers Desks Cars Sofas Books Cooking Utensils Clothes Buildings Jewelry Non-material Culture: abstract human creations Ideas Laws Skills Beliefs Language Work Practices Political systems Economies

4. Key Elements of Culture Values: a collection of what is considered good, desirable and proper in a culture Abstract concepts which are the foundation of our society Really determine everything else regarding the culture - all aspects of culture are based off of these concepts. Norms: guidelines people follow in their relations with one another…shared standards of behavior. 1. Folkways: everyday habits..obeyed without much thought…people are usually tolerated if violated 2. Mores: norms that have powerful meaning attached to them…provoke intense reaction if broken.

5. Values and Norms ValuesNorms

6. Key Elements (cont’d) Taboos: prohibitions against society’s most important mores. Violators are usually considered unfit to socialize with others. Murder, Rape, Armed Robbery, Mentally Insane(criminally), Cannibalism, Norms are enforced with: Laws: written rules of conduct Sanctions: rewards or punishments Positive sanctions: rewards Negative sanctions: punishments

7. Symbols Language: organization of written or spoken symbols National Anthems Hymns Sayings Signs: nonverbal symbols Flag Cross Eagle Ring “V” sign WWII

8. American Values 1. Success Success or failure is based upon your efforts. 2. Work Having a good “work ethic” is deemed good. 3. Moral Concerns and Humanitarianism There is the belief that we are responsible for or own success, however, U.S. has always had soft spot for those in need. 4. Effeciency Saving time is a value that drives many lives. 5. Progress Look to medicine and technology to improve lives…At what cost? 6. Equality The idea is really equal opportunity…still in progress. 7. Freedom Greatest American value. 8. Patriotism Pride in our country and values…leads to ethnocentrism.

9. Changing American Values 1. Self-fulfillment: commitment to fully develop one’s talent and potential. Health Clubs Diets seminars 2. Narcissism: extreme self-centeredness The “Me” generation..get in tune with ourselves and forget about others. 3. Hedonism: pursuit of pleasure above all other values