Questions and Answers
What is culture?
Culture is the language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that are passed on to future generations of society.
What does material culture consist of?
Material culture consists of items within a culture that you can taste, touch, and feel.
What constitutes nonmaterial culture?
Nonmaterial culture consists of the nonphysical products of society, including our symbols, values, rules, and sanctions.
What do symbols represent?
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What is language?
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What is cultural diffusion?
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What are the components of culture?
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Ethnocentrism is the belief that your culture is better than others.
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Cultural relativism means viewing others' cultures from your own perspective.
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What is culture shock?
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Which of the following is an example of material culture?
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What factors cause cultures to change?
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Culture is learned.
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What is an example of cultural diffusion?
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Study Notes
Culture Overview
- Culture encompasses language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects passed to future generations.
- Material culture includes tangible items that can be experienced physically, such as artifacts and tools.
- Nonmaterial culture consists of intangible elements like symbols, values, and social rules.
Core Concepts
- Symbols are representations that stand for something else, aiding in communication and understanding.
- Language is a structured system of speech and written symbols, essential for conveying meaning.
- Cultural diffusion refers to the spread and adoption of cultural elements from one society to another.
Components of Culture
- Key components include language, values, norms, and material objects, which collectively shape cultural identity.
Cultural Perspectives
- Ethnocentrism involves the belief that one’s culture is superior to others, leading to biased views.
- Cultural relativism promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures from their own perspective, avoiding prejudice.
- Culture shock describes the disorientation experienced when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.
Change and Influence
- Factors influencing cultural change include government policies, economic systems, technological innovations, and the introduction of new ideas.
- Culture is learned, indicating that it is acquired through socialization and experience rather than innate.
Examples and Applications
- Religion exemplifies nonmaterial culture, highlighting spiritual beliefs and practices.
- Material culture examples include tangible items such as shoes, ships, and woven cloth.
- Cultural diffusion can be illustrated by the celebration of Cinco De Mayo in California, showing how cultural practices can transcend geographical boundaries.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key concepts in Chapter 3 of Sociology. This quiz covers essential terms such as culture, material culture, and nonmaterial culture. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of sociological concepts.
