Material Culture Quiz & Flashcards for Sociology

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Questions and Answers

What is culture?

Physical things created by people

Language, norms, values, beliefs, and more that form a people's way of life (correct)

A type of society

None of the above

What does material culture include?

All the physical things that people create and attach meaning to

What is nonmaterial culture?

Intangible things created and shared among members of a culture

A country with designated borders is known as a ______.

Nation Signup and view all the answers

What is a society?

A population in which people interact and share common interests Signup and view all the answers

Which of these are elements of every culture? (Select all that apply)

Language Signup and view all the answers

What are folkways?

Norms that are expected to be followed but not offensive to violate Signup and view all the answers

What are mores?

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

What is a subculture?

A culture within a larger culture Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes high culture?

A subculture shared by the elite in a society Signup and view all the answers

What defines popular culture?

A subculture shared by the majority of a society's population Signup and view all the answers

What is counterculture?

A culture that rejects the norms and values of its society Signup and view all the answers

What is ideal culture?

The values, norms, and behaviors that people profess to embrace Signup and view all the answers

What does real culture refer to?

Values and norms that are actually followed by a culture Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnocentrism?

The belief in the inherent superiority of one's own culture relative to others Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural relativism?

The practice of judging a culture from its own perspective Signup and view all the answers

What does structural-functional theory propose about culture?

Culture functions as the structure in society that meets human needs Signup and view all the answers

What does social conflict theory suggest about culture?

Laws and norms reflect the interests of the most powerful members of society Signup and view all the answers

What is sociobiology's perspective on culture?

Elements of culture are created based on human instincts, rooted in biology Signup and view all the answers

What is socialization?

The lifelong process of learning one's own culture and its norms and values Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Culture and Its Components

Culture encompasses language, norms, values, beliefs, and practices that define a people's way of life.
Material culture refers to tangible objects created and valued by a society, such as clothing, tools, and architecture, while natural objects are not included unless they are viewed through a cultural lens.
Nonmaterial culture consists of intangible elements like social roles, ethics, and shared beliefs over time.

Society and Nation

A nation is defined by specific geographic borders (e.g., United States, China).
Society represents a population where individuals interact and share mutual interests.

Elements and Norms of Culture

Key cultural elements include:
- Symbols (e.g., the American flag)
- Language (spoken, body language, and unique slang)
- Values (standards of goodness; ex: competition in U.S. culture)
- Norms (expected behaviors; e.g., queueing in line)

Types of Norms

Folkways are expected but not severely enforced norms, such as social courtesies.
Mores represent strong moral norms; violations are significant (e.g., prohibitions against murder or incest).

Subcultures and Their Dynamics

Subcultures exist within a larger culture (e.g., Amish, hippies, bikers).
High culture is associated with elite groups, while popular culture is shared by the majority.
Counterculture actively rejects dominant societal norms (e.g., polygamists, racists).

Cultural Ideals vs. Practices

Ideal culture symbolizes professed values and norms (e.g., Americans valuing environmentalism).
Real culture reflects actual practices, highlighting inconsistencies (e.g., environmental harms despite stated values).

Perspectives on Culture

Ethnocentrism involves believing one's culture is superior to others (e.g., viewing American culture as positive compared to other cultures).
Cultural relativism promotes understanding a culture from its own context rather than an outsider's view.

Theoretical Approaches to Culture

Structural-functional theory views culture as a means to meet human needs, providing meaning and facilitating social cooperation. Universally practiced elements, like funeral rituals, exist across cultures.
Social conflict theory argues that cultural laws and norms favor the powerful, resulting in inequalities (e.g., capitalism benefiting the rich).
Sociobiology suggests cultural behaviors arise from human instincts rooted in biology, supporting cultural universals (e.g., avoidance of incest).

The Process of Socialization

Socialization is a lifelong process where individuals learn and internalize their culture, including norms and values.

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Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in Sociology Chapters 3 and 4. This quiz focuses on the definitions of essential terms like culture and material culture, enriching your knowledge about the social aspects of life. Perfect for students looking to solidify their comprehension of cultural components.