Culture, Society and Politics Quiz

Culture and Society

• Culture encompasses learned behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and values that define a group or society.
• Influences individual behavior, societal norms, and interpersonal relationships.
• Ethnicity refers to cultural traditions and identity linked to specific communities, e.g., Kapampangan known for its culinary skills.
• Nationality is a political term reflecting membership in a nation, which may consist of multiple ethnicities.

Ethnocentrism

• Ethnocentrism promotes a sense of solidarity among a group, fostering a "we feeling."
• Functions in international relations include diplomacy and studying state-to-state relations, stabilizing traditional values.
• Disadvantages include hindering beneficial changes and potentially inciting violence due to prejudice.
• Causes stem from a lack of information and understanding, often leading to culture shock.

Culture Shock

• Culture shock is a disorienting response to immersion in a different culture, marked by unpredictability in food, language, and social norms.
• Stages of culture shock include:
  • Honeymoon Stage: Initial excitement and anticipation.
  • Negotiation Stage: Frustration and anxiety as cultural differences become apparent.
  • Adjustment Phase: Development of routines and comfort; homesickness decreases.
  • Adaptation Phase: Complete integration into the new culture with a sense of belonging.

Cultural Relativism

• Cultural relativism posits that cultures should be evaluated based on their own values, not through external standards.
• Encourages understanding that no culture is superior and emphasizes meeting the needs of its own people.

Socialization

• Socialization is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values necessary for societal integration.
• Through socialization, individuals learn physical, mental, and social skills vital for survival in their environments.
• Agents of socialization include family, religious institutions, peers, schools, and media.
• Types of socialization include:
  • Primary Socialization: Occurs within the family.
  • Secondary Socialization: Takes place in schools and among peers.
  • Developmental Socialization: Occurs through guidance from various societal influences.

Racism, Xenocentrism, and Xenophobia

• Racism is the belief in racial superiority that determines traits and capabilities.
• Xenocentrism denotes a preference for foreign cultures over one’s own, valuing external influences.
• Xenophobia describes the fear or contempt of foreigners, often linked to loss of identity, suspicion, and aggression.