Podcast
Questions and Answers
A good example of cultural lag is:
A good example of cultural lag is:
As a part of human culture, religion is an example of:
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:
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:
Compared to college students of the late 1960s, more of today's college students are concerned with:
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A feminist theoretical analysis of language in the U.S. suggests that cultural patterns support:
A feminist theoretical analysis of language in the U.S. suggests that cultural patterns support:
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According to scientists, Homo sapiens first appeared on Earth about how long ago?
According to scientists, Homo sapiens first appeared on Earth about how long ago?
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About how many adults in the United States speak a language other than English at home?
About how many adults in the United States speak a language other than English at home?
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According to Gerhard Lenski, which of the following has the greatest power to shape a society?
According to Gerhard Lenski, which of the following has the greatest power to shape a society?
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Cultural universals are elements of culture that:
Cultural universals are elements of culture that:
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Agrarian technology developed based on the use of:
Agrarian technology developed based on the use of:
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An emerging value in our society is:
An emerging value in our society is:
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Counterculture refers to:
Counterculture refers to:
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Culture acts as a constraint, limiting human freedom because:
Culture acts as a constraint, limiting human freedom because:
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An act of kindness, such as opening the door for an elderly man, illustrates conforming to:
An act of kindness, such as opening the door for an elderly man, illustrates conforming to:
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According to Lenski, the term "sociocultural evolution" refers to:
According to Lenski, the term "sociocultural evolution" refers to:
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A Marxist analysis of U.S. culture suggests that our competitive and individualistic values reflect:
A Marxist analysis of U.S. culture suggests that our competitive and individualistic values reflect:
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Cultural transmission refers to the process of:
Cultural transmission refers to the process of:
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Cultural change is set in motion in three general ways. What are they?
Cultural change is set in motion in three general ways. What are they?
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Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society's population are referred to as:
Cultural patterns that are widespread among a society's population are referred to as:
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Among all forms of life, humans stand out as the only species that:
Among all forms of life, humans stand out as the only species that:
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A great danger to hunting and gathering societies is:
A great danger to hunting and gathering societies is:
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Cultural integration refers to the fact that:
Cultural integration refers to the fact that:
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Cars, computers, and iPhones are all examples of which of the following?
Cars, computers, and iPhones are all examples of which of the following?
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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:
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:
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Culture is a source of human freedom because:
Culture is a source of human freedom because:
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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.
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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.
