1. Part 2: The Components of Culture

2. 5 Components of Culture Technology, Symbols, Language, Values, & NormsTechnology, Symbols, Language, Values, & Norms Components vary:Components vary: –Within cultures –Between cultures –Over the course of time

3. Technology DEFINITION: knowledge and tools people use for practical purposesDEFINITION: knowledge and tools people use for practical purposes Sociologists are not only interested in skills but also the rules of acceptable behavior when using material cultureSociologists are not only interested in skills but also the rules of acceptable behavior when using material culture darn

4. Symbols DEFINITION: cultural representations of reality; carry meaningDEFINITION: cultural representations of reality; carry meaning Any word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event or element of the natural worldAny word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event or element of the natural world

10. Hand gestures in different cultures…why the Biebs needs to be careful! Hand gestures in different cultures…why the Biebs needs to be careful!

12. Language DEFINITION: a system of verbal and written representations that are culturally specific; convey meaning about the worldDEFINITION: a system of verbal and written representations that are culturally specific; convey meaning about the world Critical to the transmission of cultureCritical to the transmission of culture

13. Language Does language shape reality?Does language shape reality? Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: People perceive the world through the cultural lens of languagePeople perceive the world through the cultural lens of language

17. Values & Beliefs DEFINITION: culturally defined standards about what is good, right, fair and justDEFINITION: culturally defined standards about what is good, right, fair and just Serve as broad guidelines for social livingServe as broad guidelines for social living Values held by a group help determine character of its people and kinds of material/non-material culture they createValues held by a group help determine character of its people and kinds of material/non-material culture they create

19. Norms DEFINITION: rules & expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its membersDEFINITION: rules & expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members

20. Norms Discussion Questions:Discussion Questions: What are some examples of social norms in our society?What are some examples of social norms in our society? What happens if you violate a social norm in our society?What happens if you violate a social norm in our society? What are some examples of social norms that have changed over time?What are some examples of social norms that have changed over time? What are some examples of social norms in other countries?What are some examples of social norms in other countries?

21. Norms Norms vary around the world according to culture*:Norms vary around the world according to culture*: Bulgaria: A nod means no, and a shake of the head from side to side means yesBulgaria: A nod means no, and a shake of the head from side to side means yes Great Britain: Never touch the Queen, not even to gently guide her & don’t shake her hand unless she extends it to you firstGreat Britain: Never touch the Queen, not even to gently guide her & don’t shake her hand unless she extends it to you first Germany: Shaking hands while your other hand is in your pocket is considered impoliteGermany: Shaking hands while your other hand is in your pocket is considered impolite Greece: Unlike the British, the Greeks do not respect lines, or queues, in public placesGreece: Unlike the British, the Greeks do not respect lines, or queues, in public places Italy: Italians consider it unfeminine for a woman to pour wineItaly: Italians consider it unfeminine for a woman to pour wine Russia: Whistling at public gatherings is a sign of disagreement & disapprovalRussia: Whistling at public gatherings is a sign of disagreement & disapproval Turkey: It is considered rude to cross your arms over your chest or to put your hands in your pockets while talking to someoneTurkey: It is considered rude to cross your arms over your chest or to put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone

22. Norms Oman: It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face your host with the soles of your shoes showing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chairOman: It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face your host with the soles of your shoes showing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chair Iran: Shaking hands with a child shows respect of his or her parentsIran: Shaking hands with a child shows respect of his or her parents Saudi Arabia: At political events, it is customary for men to greet elders and dignitaries by kissing their right front shoulderSaudi Arabia: At political events, it is customary for men to greet elders and dignitaries by kissing their right front shoulder China: Some pushing and shoving in stores or when boarding public transportation is common and not considered rudeChina: Some pushing and shoving in stores or when boarding public transportation is common and not considered rude India: Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body in India, you should not pat children on the head or touch an older person’s headIndia: Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body in India, you should not pat children on the head or touch an older person’s head Japan: Women should avoid wearing high heels in order to avoid towering over their male counterpartsJapan: Women should avoid wearing high heels in order to avoid towering over their male counterparts South Korea: Koreans, especially women, cover their mouths when laughing to avoid showing the inside of their mouthsSouth Korea: Koreans, especially women, cover their mouths when laughing to avoid showing the inside of their mouths

23. Norms (food)

24. Norms Norms vary according to context of behaviorNorms vary according to context of behavior –Ex: Murderer vs Soldier or Police Officer –Another example…

25. Folkways v. Mores 2 Types of Norms: Folkways vs. Mores2 Types of Norms: Folkways vs. Mores Folkways:Folkways: Norms that refer to a society’s customs for routine, casual interactionNorms that refer to a society’s customs for routine, casual interaction Mores (MOR-ayz):Mores (MOR-ayz): Norms that refer to a society’s standards regarding proper moral conductNorms that refer to a society’s standards regarding proper moral conduct More serious mores become lawsMore serious mores become laws

26. Sanctions Definition:Definition: Rewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to normsRewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to norms

27. Sanctions Positive v. Negative SanctionsPositive v. Negative Sanctions –Positive: an action that rewards a particular kind of behavior –Negative: a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity Formal v. Informal SanctionsFormal v. Informal Sanctions –Formal: Reward/punishment given by a formal organization such as a school, gov’t –Informal: spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or group

28. Norm Violation

29. Annual NY “No Pants Subway Day”Annual NY “No Pants Subway Day”