Sociology Chapter 4 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is culture?

Culture is a system of ideas, values, beliefs, knowledge, norms, customs, and technology shared by almost everyone in a particular society.

What is ethnocentrism?

Ethnocentrism is the view that one's culture and society is superior.

Which demographic tends to be the most ethnocentric?

Ethnocentrism is most likely found among individuals who believe their culture is superior.

What is cultural relativism?

Cultural relativism is the belief that cultures must be judged on their own terms rather than by the standards of another culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is xenocentrism?

Xenocentrism is the belief that everything foreign is superior to one's own culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is temporocentrism?

Temporocentrism is the belief that one's own time period is more important than the past or future. Signup and view all the answers

Temporocentrism is most prevalent amongst which demographic?

Temporocentrism is most prevalent amongst people who lack historical perspective. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 6 key elements of culture?

The 6 key elements of culture are symbols, language, values, norms, technology, and material culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis states that the structure of a language determines a native speaker's perception and categorization. Signup and view all the answers

What are values?

Values are shared by people in a society regarding what is important and worthwhile. Signup and view all the answers

What are norms?

Norms are rules of conduct or social expectations for behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is technology?

Technology applies knowledge gained by science in ways that influence all aspects of culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural lag?

Cultural lag occurs when changes in technology and material culture come more rapidly than changes in nonmaterial culture. Signup and view all the answers

What are subcultures?

Subcultures are groups that share some of the cultural elements of the larger society yet also have their own distinctive set of norms, values, symbols, and lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

Does the dominant culture and subculture conflict?

True Signup and view all the answers

What are countercultures?

A counterculture is a subculture that adheres to a set of beliefs and values that reject and oppose the dominant culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal culture?

The ideal culture consists of the norms and values people profess to follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the real culture?

The real culture consists of the norms and values people actually follow. Signup and view all the answers

What is multiculturalism?

Multiculturalism refers to a move to recognize the contributions of all cultures within the United States instead of promoting assimilation. Signup and view all the answers

What are idiocultures?

Idioculture is a unique system of knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, and customs created by a small group of people. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Culture

Defined as a system of shared ideas, values, beliefs, knowledge, norms, customs, and technology within a society.

Ethnocentrism

The belief in the superiority of one's own culture over others.
Certain demographics may be more ethnocentric, though specifics are not provided.

Cultural Relativism

The perspective that cultures should be evaluated based on their own standards, not by those of another culture.
Researchers maintain their critical stance without necessarily adopting foreign cultural values.

Xenocentrism

A belief that other cultures are superior to one's own, in contrast to ethnocentrism.

Temporocentrism

The belief that the present time period is of greater significance than past or future eras.
Common among individuals lacking historical perspective.

Key Elements of Culture

Six essential components are symbols, language, values, norms, technology, and material culture.

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

Suggests that the language structure influences a speaker's perception and categorization of experiences.

Values

Shared societal beliefs regarding what is deemed important and worthwhile; they vary between cultures.

Norms

Rules of conduct or social expectations that dictate behavior within a society.

Technology

Involves the application of scientific knowledge that impacts various cultural aspects.

Cultural Lag

A phenomenon where technological advances outpace changes in non-material culture, leading to an adjustment period.

Subcultures

Groups within a larger society that retain distinct cultural elements, including norms, values, and symbols while sharing some broader cultural traits.

Dominant Culture vs. Subculture

Conflicts may arise between dominant cultures and subcultures due to differing beliefs and practices.

Countercultures

Subcultures that actively reject and oppose prevailing cultural norms and values.

Ideal vs. Real Culture

Ideal culture reflects professed norms and values, while real culture denotes actual behavioral practices; discrepancies often exist, as seen in attitudes towards adultery in the U.S.

Multiculturalism

An approach that recognizes and values the contributions of diverse cultures instead of pushing for standard assimilation.

Idiocultures

Unique cultural systems that develop within small groups, marked by shared experiences and memories, such as those in sports teams.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Sociology Chapter 4. Explore key concepts such as culture and ethnocentrism, and deepen your understanding of societal norms and values. Perfect for students looking to review essential sociological terms and ideas.