Sociology Chapter 3 Study Guide

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Questions and Answers

What broad distinction can be made between most animal behavior and most human behavior?

Most animals survive off of instincts while an infant won't get very far on instincts alone.

How does culture affect social behavior?

Culture helps people make their decisions on what they do and don't do, what they like and dislike, what they believe and don't believe, and what they value and discount.

How does heredity affect social behavior?

Social behavior is about half of your personality traits being determined by your genetic makeup and the other half by environmental factors.

How are language and culture related?

Language allows us to create culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential components of culture?

Knowledge, language, values, customs, and physical objects that are passed down from generation to generation. Signup and view all the answers

How does cultural diversity arise within a society?

When groups differ in particular ways from the larger culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ethnocentrism in society?

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What similarities can be found in cultures around the world?

Sports, cooking, division of labor, education, etiquette, family, government, hospitality, housing, joking. Signup and view all the answers

Why is culture more important than instinct in determining human behavior?

Culture is more important because it forces us to create and learn in our own ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Signup and view all the answers

How do sociobiologists view human behavior?

They view it as behaviors that best help people being biologically based and transmitted in the genetic code. Signup and view all the answers

What can be learned about a culture by studying its language and vocabulary?

When something is important to a society, its language will have many words to describe it. Signup and view all the answers

How can language change a person's perception of the world?

The differences between cultures can influence how members experience the world. Signup and view all the answers

How do norms affect the way we live our lives?

They define appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What benefits are to be gained by studying cultures other than one's own?

To become more diverse and understand others' behavior and actions. Signup and view all the answers

Distinguish among the three basic types of norms.

Folkways, Mores, Laws. Signup and view all the answers

How is conformity to norms learned and accepted?

Sanctions are used to encourage conformity to norms. Signup and view all the answers

Why are values important?

Values influence human social behavior because they form the basis for norms. Signup and view all the answers

How is material culture related to nonmaterial culture?

They both live in one culture. Signup and view all the answers

How have basic values changed in the US over the past 20 years?

People aren't as racist and norms related to hard work. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Animal vs. Human Behavior

Instincts predominantly guide animal behavior, whereas human infants rely on learning and socialization for survival.

Culture shapes decision-making processes, preferences, beliefs, and values, guiding what individuals consider important or trivial.

Approximately half of personality traits result from genetic factors, while the other half stems from environmental influences.

Language and Culture Connection

Language is a fundamental tool for the creation and expression of culture.

Components of Culture

Essential cultural components include knowledge, language, values, customs, and physical artifacts, which are transmitted through generations.

Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity arises when specific groups within a society exhibit differences from the dominant culture in various aspects.

Role of Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism involves viewing one's own culture as superior, impacting social interactions and perceptions between different cultural groups.

Global Cultural Similarities

Commonalities in cultures worldwide include sports, culinary practices, labor division, education, etiquette, family structures, governance, hospitality, housing, and humor.

Culture versus Instinct

Culture is more significant than instincts in determining behaviors, as it necessitates the development of unique thought processes, emotions, and actions.

Sociobiological Perspective

Sociobiologists assert that behaviors that enhance survival are biologically rooted and encoded in genetics.

Language and Cultural Insights

Analyzing a culture's language reveals what is significant to its members, reflected in the abundance of vocabulary related to those aspects.

Perception and Language

Language differences between cultures can significantly shape members' perceptions and experiences of the world.

Norms and Daily Life

Norms define acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, influencing societal conduct and interactions.

Benefits of Studying Other Cultures

Studying diverse cultures enhances understanding and appreciation of different behaviors and practices, fostering diversity.

Types of Norms

Three fundamental types of norms include Folkways (informal norms), Mores (moral norms), and Laws (formalized norms).

Learning Conformity to Norms

Sanctions, both positive and negative, facilitate the acceptance and adherence to social norms.

Importance of Values

Values play a critical role as they underpin norms, thereby influencing social behavior.

Material and Nonmaterial Culture

Material culture (physical objects) and nonmaterial culture (values, beliefs) coexist and influence each other within a society.

Changing Values in the US

Over the past two decades, shifts in basic values have emerged in the US, including reduced racism and evolving attitudes toward work ethics.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Sociology Chapter 3 focusing on animal and human behavior distinctions and the impact of culture on social behavior. This study guide flashcard set will enhance your understanding of foundational sociological principles and their applications in everyday life.