Knowledge, language, values, customs, physical objects that help explain the behavior
of a particular group or society
MATERIAL—OBJECTS & HOW THEY ARE USED
NON-MATERIAL—IDEAS, VALUES, LANGUAGE, BELIEFS
VERBAL AND WRITTEN RULES SOCIAL INTERACTION “SOCIAL MARKER” Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
◦ Languages differ-----perceptions different
Biological basis for human behavior Behavior that helps people adapt
transmitted by genes No sharp line between human & non human
behavior◦ Criticism—used to justify racial superiority
Nature—reflexes, drives, genes Vs. Nurture-learn from others how to control
social behavior
Which one is more important????
OBJECTS, GESTURES AND IMAGES THAT HAVE MEANING
EXAMPLES—FLAG, “BLACK POWER”, PEACE SIGN
GENERAL IDEA THAT PEOPLE SHARE ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD OR BAD
EXAMPLES: CIVIL RIGHTS, COMPETITION VALUES CAN COMPLEMENT OR COMPETE
WITH EACH OTHER
SPECIFIC GUIDELINE FOR BEHAVIOR EXAMPLES: SMOKING, DATING RULES
EVERYDAY HABITS IF YOU VIOLATE A FOLKWAY, YOU ARE
CONSIDERED A “SLOB”
NORMS VITAL TO THE WELL BEING AND TO OUR VALUES
EXAMPLES—NO INCEST◦ Strong punishment if you are caught
RULES OF A POLITICAL BODY EXAMPLES—TRAFFIC, MURDER, ABUSE Come from mores & norms
DIVERSITY◦ Many groups share social characteristics & keep sharing
cultural traits
SUBCULTURE VS. DOMINANT CULTURE◦ Part of dominant culture but different
COUNTERCULTURES◦ Not part of dominant culture; no shared values
ETHNOCENTRISM◦ One culture better than another; judging
1-discovery 2-invention (innovation) 3-diffusion
◦ Borrowing & accepting an invention or innovation 4-acculturation
◦ 2 cultures meet and change