Questions and Answers
A good example of cultural lag is:
As a part of human culture, religion is an example of:
A theory that explains how schooling helps prepare young people for the work they will do as adults represents the:
Compared to college students of the late 1960s, more of today's college students are concerned with:
Signup and view all the answers
A feminist theoretical analysis of language in the U.S. suggests that cultural patterns support:
Signup and view all the answers
According to scientists, Homo sapiens first appeared on Earth about how long ago?
Signup and view all the answers
About how many adults in the United States speak a language other than English at home?
Signup and view all the answers
According to Gerhard Lenski, which of the following has the greatest power to shape a society?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural universals are elements of culture that:
Signup and view all the answers
Agrarian technology developed based on the use of:
Signup and view all the answers
An emerging value in our society is:
Signup and view all the answers
Counterculture refers to:
Signup and view all the answers
Culture acts as a constraint, limiting human freedom because:
Signup and view all the answers
An act of kindness, such as opening the door for an elderly man, illustrates conforming to:
Signup and view all the answers
According to Lenski, the term "sociocultural evolution" refers to:
Signup and view all the answers
A Marxist analysis of U.S. culture suggests that our competitive and individualistic values reflect:
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural transmission refers to the process of:
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural change is set in motion in three general ways. What are they?
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society's population are referred to as:
Signup and view all the answers
Among all forms of life, humans stand out as the only species that:
Signup and view all the answers
A great danger to hunting and gathering societies is:
Signup and view all the answers
Cultural integration refers to the fact that:
Signup and view all the answers
Cars, computers, and iPhones are all examples of which of the following?
Signup and view all the answers
A person who criticizes the Amish farmer as being 'backward' for tilling his fields with horses and a plow instead of using a tractor is displaying:
Signup and view all the answers
Culture is a source of human freedom because:
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Cultural Concepts and Theories
- Cultural Lag: Occurs when society gains new technological capabilities, like genetic modification, before understanding societal implications.
- Material vs. Nonmaterial Culture: Religion exemplifies nonmaterial culture, representing beliefs and values rather than physical objects.
- Educational Theories: The structural-functional approach posits that schooling prepares youth for adult work.
- Changing Values in College Students: Today's college students are increasingly focused on financial success compared to their 1960s counterparts.
Linguistic and Technological Influences
- Language Diversity in the U.S.: Approximately 61 million adults speak a language other than English at home.
- Influence of Technology: According to Gerhard Lenski, technology profoundly influences societal structures and norms.
Cultural Universals and Technology
- Cultural Universals: Elements that exist across all known cultures, emphasizing shared human experiences.
- Agrarian Technology: Development hinged on the invention of the plow, animal power, and metalworking.
Societal Values and Changes
- Emerging Societal Values: Prioritize personal growth and leisure, indicating a shift in work-life balance perspectives.
- Counterculture: Defined as cultural patterns that significantly deviate from mainstream societal norms.
Cultural Constraints and Mores
- Cultural Habits: Culture can limit freedom through repetitive societal habits.
- Folkways: Minor norms, such as opening doors for others, guide everyday interactions.
Changes in Society
- Sociocultural Evolution: Refers to changes within a society due to technological advancements.
- Marxist Perspective: Analyzes cultural values as reflections of capitalist economic structures.
- Cultural Transmission: Represents the process of carrying forward cultural traits through generations.
Mechanisms of Cultural Change
- Types of Cultural Change: Primarily driven by invention, discovery, and diffusion of ideas.
- Popular Culture: Refers to widely accepted cultural patterns shared across a population.
Human Uniqueness and Survival
- Culture’s Role in Survival: Unique to humans, culture is fundamental for survival, distinguishing us from other species.
- Dangers to Hunting-Gathering Societies: Natural disasters pose significant risks to these communities.
Cultural Integration and Material Culture
- Cultural Integration: Acknowledges that changes in one cultural aspect often affect others.
- Material Culture Examples: Includes tangible items like cars, computers, and devices, reflecting technological aspects of culture.
Perspectives on Cultural Assessment
- Ethnocentrism: Criticism of cultures (e.g., viewing Amish farming practices as backward) signals a bias toward one’s own cultural standards.
- Cultural Freedom: Humans' ability to reshape their environment illustrates culture’s role as a source of freedom and creativity.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of key cultural concepts and theories, such as cultural lag, the distinction between material and nonmaterial culture, and the evolution of values among college students. Additionally, explore the impact of technology on society and language diversity in the U.S.
