Sociology Notes
Chapter 3
Section one -- The Basis of Culture
Culture the knowledge, language, values, customs, and physical objects that are passed from generation to generation among members of a group.
Material physical objects
Nonmaterial beliefs, rules, customs, structure of systems
Society a group of people who live in a defined territory and participate in a common culture.
Human cultural behavior must be learned
Instincts genetically inherited patterns of behavior.
Culture is more important than instinct in determining human behavior. Humans are forced to create and learn their own ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. We rely on the culture we have created.
Heredity one half of personality traits are inherited through genetic makeup. (Nature vs. Nurture).
Reflexes simple, biologically inherited, automatic reactions to physical stimuli.
Drives impulses to reduce discomfort (eat, drink, sleep).
Sociobiology the study of the biological basis of human behavior.
Darwinism can be applied to social function we have adapted ideas and customs which make our life better, and left worse ones behind. Both humans and animals act on knowledge.
Critics contend that human culture is far too complex for it to have simply evolved use of language makes change easier to communicate.
Section two Language and Culture
Culture must be transmitted to each new generation the easiest way to do this is with language
Symbols things that represent other things. (clapping, whistling, peace, etc)
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis our perceptions of the world depend on the language we have learned. Since languages differ, perceptions differ as well.
What is important to us, what do we have lots of words for?
People can begin to view the world differently as they learn a new language or vocabulary
Section three Norms and Values
Norms rules defining appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
3 basic types:
1.) Folkways rules that cover customary ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving, but lack moral overtones are called folkways. Ex. Removing hat for anthem, styles of clothing. There is little punishment for violating them.
2.) Mores Mores are norms with high moral significance, conforming brings social approval, violating brings strong disapproval. Ex. People should work, we dont swear in church. Taboos mores so strong that violation requires punishment by the group. Ex. Incest is a universal taboo
3.) Laws norms that are formally defined and enforced by officials. They are consciously created unlike folkways or mores. Mores and folkways sometimes change faster than laws do. (Blue laws)
Sanctions rewards and punishments used to encourage conformity to norms. Formal sanctions may be applied only by officially designated persons. Informal sanctions are applied by most members of a group. Most sanctions are done by oneself mentally to avoid social disapproval.
Values what most people in a society consider to be desirable. They form the basis for norms. (Ex. Value is democracy norms will ensure personal freedom.
A partial list of US values (From sociologist Robin Williams): Achievement and success; Activity and work; Efficiency and practicality; Equality; Democracy; Group superiority. (p. 90).
Section 4 --Beliefs and Material Culture
Material Culture how we relate to physical objects
Nonmaterial Culture beliefs, ideas, and knowledge.
Beliefs are ideas about the nature of reality. They may be true or false.
Material culture can obtain different meaning based on the beliefs, norms and values people hold regarding them.
Ideal vs. real culture Ideal culture is the cultural guidelines that people of a society publicly espouse; real culture is the actual behavior patterns of a society. These two things often conflict. Ideal culture represents what a society strives for or wants to be.
Section 5 Cultural Diversity and Similarity
All cultures experience change. Why?
Discoverythe process of finding something that already exists.
Invention the creation of something new.
Diffusion the borrowing of aspects of culture from other cultures.
Social Categories Cultural diversity that occurs because groups share specific social characteristics. Certain behaviors are associated with certain ages, genders, religions, regions etc.
Subculture a part of the dominant culture, but they differ in some important respects. Ex. Immigrant communities, itinerant farmers.
Counterculture a subculture opposed to central beliefs of the dominant culture. Ex. Goth, hippies, prison, gang.
Ethnocentrism Judging other cultures by the standards of ones own culture. My region or country is better than any other one.
Advantages people feel good about selves, Stability is promoted.
Disadvantages can become to rigid, can prevent change for the better, tend not to produce anything new. Can create extremes in racism (Hitler).
Cultural Universals seventy traits identified by sociologists that are shared by all cultures. Ex. Sports, marriage, education etc.
Cultural particulars how different cultures express universals. Ex child care