1. C ULTURE What is culture?

2. W HAT IS “C ULTURE ”? Language, beliefs, values, behaviors, and material objects that constitute a people’s way of life Learned through social interaction, not biologically determined Culture often changes and evolves over time

3. N ORMS AND V ALUES Critical components of Culture Norms: the expectations, or rules of behavior, that develop out of a group’s values. Example: free speech and religion. Values: the standards by which people define what is desirable or undesirable, good or bad, beautiful or ugly. Guides choices, preferences, and indicates what people hold worthwhile in life. Example: Americans value democracy…norms ensure personal freedom.

4. F OLKWAYS, MORES, AND TABOOS Folkways: norms that are not strictly enforced. Ex: Talking too loud in a library or slamming a door. Negative Sanction for violation: disapproving looks Mores: norms that are believed to be essential to a group’s core values and are therefore strictly enforced. Ex: Robbery, rape and murder Other examples: Picking nose in public…if continues and puts contents in mouth…”mores territory” challenging values of privacy and hygiene. Taboos: norms so strongly engrained in society’s consciousness…revulsion if violated. Ex: Cannibalism and incest Norms are situation specific!!

5. M ATERIAL C ULTURE VS. N ON - MATERIAL C ULTURE (T ANGIBLE VS. NON -T ANGIBLE ) Material: Jewelry, art, buildings, weapons, machines, clothing etc. Non-material Way of thinking, beliefs, values, patterns of behavior, language, gestures etc.