7 Elements of Culture Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are elements of culture? (Select all that apply)

Language (correct)

Social Organization (correct)

Customs and Traditions (correct)

Economy (correct)

What does Social Structure refer to?

A way of ranking people in a culture.

What defines a Nuclear family?

Mother, father, and children.

What constitutes an Extended family?

Other relatives like uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Matriarchal family structure?

Family structure where the mother or oldest female is the head. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Patriarchal family structure?

Family where the father is the head. Signup and view all the answers

What do Customs and Traditions encompass?

Rules of behaviour unique to each culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Language in a culture?

It reflects a culture's identity and is a system for communication. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Arts and Literature?

Products of human imagination that express cultural values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Religion and Spiritual Beliefs in culture?

To help answer fundamental questions about life and support group values. Signup and view all the answers

What is Monotheism?

Worshiping one God. Signup and view all the answers

What is Polytheism?

Worshiping more than one god. Signup and view all the answers

What is Atheism?

Belief in no god. Signup and view all the answers

What does Government do in a culture?

Makes the laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Monarchy?

Government ruled by a monarch, king or queen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Republic?

Government ruled by elected representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Dictatorship?

Government ruled by a dictator. Signup and view all the answers

What is Direct Democracy?

Government in which the people have the power. Signup and view all the answers

What is Representative Democracy?

Government in which the people choose representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is Economy in terms of culture?

System of producing and trading for important resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is Capitalism?

Private individuals control the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Socialism?

The government controls the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Communism?

Everyone owns the economy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Social Organization?

A pattern of relationships between individuals and social groups. Signup and view all the answers

What are Mores?

Norms that dictate morally right or wrong behaviour. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Symbol in cultural context?

Anything that stands for something else. Signup and view all the answers

What are Values?

Culturally designed standards for good or bad. Signup and view all the answers

What are Norms?

Culturally defined expectations of behaviour. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elements of Culture

Seven key elements: Social Organization, Customs and Traditions, Language, Arts and Literature, Religion, Government, and Economy (SCLARGE).

Framework for ranking individuals within a culture.
Types include Nuclear families, Extended families, Matriarchal, and Patriarchal.

Nuclear Families

Consists of a mother, father, and their children.

Extended Families

Includes additional relatives such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins.

Family Structures

Matriarchal: Family structure led by the mother or oldest female.
Patriarchal: Family structure led by the father.

Customs and Traditions

Rules of behavior unique to each culture.
Essential components taught and inherited within cultural contexts.

Language

A system of communication involving thoughts, feelings, and knowledge.
Mirrors cultural identity and includes words and symbols facilitating interaction.

Arts and Literature

Represents human imagination and personal expression.
Reflects cultural values and strengthens community identity.

Religion and Spiritual Beliefs

Addresses fundamental questions regarding life’s meaning and purpose.
Supports group values, with forms including Monotheism, Polytheism, and Atheism.

Types of Religion

Monotheism: Belief in a single God.
Polytheism: Belief in multiple gods.
Atheism: Lack of belief in any deity.

Government

Enacts and enforces laws.
Types include Monarchy, Republic, Dictatorship, Direct Democracy, and Representative Democracy.

Forms of Government

Monarchy: Ruled by a king or queen.
Republic: Governed by elected representatives.
Dictatorship: Control by a single ruler who seizes power.
Direct Democracy: Power rests directly in the hands of the people.
Representative Democracy: People elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

Economy

The system managing the production and trading of resources, often influenced by government control.
Types include Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism.

Economic Systems

Capitalism: Controlled by private individuals who seek profit.
Socialism: Government regulation and control of economic activities.
Communism: Collective ownership of economic resources.

Relationships among individuals and social groups impacting structures like families, teams, and institutions.

Norms dictating morally right or wrong behaviors, such as maintaining eye contact in conversation as a sign of respect.

Symbols

Representational figures, such as a cross for Christians or a Star of David for Jews.

Values

Culturally defined standards representing what is considered good or bad, exemplified by the education requirement for children.

Norms

Expectancies of behavior guiding individuals on appropriate actions in various social contexts, such as the use of utensils while eating.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the seven key elements of culture with these flashcards. Learn about social organization, customs, language, arts, religion, government, and economy. Perfect for students studying cultural anthropology or sociology.