Sociology Culture Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are core values?

Values that are irrelevant to a culture

The values that are central to a group, around which it builds a common identity (correct)

Values that change frequently

Values that are not important to a group

What is counterculture?

A group whose values, beliefs, and related behaviors place its members in opposition to the values of the broader culture.

Define cultural diffusion.

The spread of cultural characteristics from one group to another.

What does cultural lag refer to?

Human behavior lagging behind technological innovations. Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural leveling?

The process by which cultures become similar to one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is cultural relativism?

Not judging a culture, but trying to understand it on its own terms. Signup and view all the answers

Define cultural universal.

A value, norm, or other cultural trait that is found in every group. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes culture?

The language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and even material objects that are passed from one generation to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What is culture shock?

The disorientation that people experience when they come in contact with a fundamentally different culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is ethnocentrism?

The use of one's own culture as a yardstick for judging the ways of other individuals or societies. Signup and view all the answers

Define folkways.

Norms that are not strictly enforced. Signup and view all the answers

What are gestures?

The ways in which people use their bodies to communicate with one another. Signup and view all the answers

What is ideal culture?

The ideal values and norms of a people. Signup and view all the answers

Define language in terms of sociology.

A system of symbols that can be combined in an infinite number of ways. Signup and view all the answers

What is material culture?

The material objects that distinguish a group of people. Signup and view all the answers

What are mores?

Norms that are strictly enforced because they are thought essential to core values. Signup and view all the answers

What is a negative sanction?

An expression of disapproval for breaking a norm. Signup and view all the answers

What does new technology refer to?

The emerging technologies of an era that have a significant impact on social life. Signup and view all the answers

Define nonmaterial culture.

A group's ways of thinking and doing, including its beliefs and values. Signup and view all the answers

What are norms?

The expectations or rules of behavior that reflect and enforce behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pluralistic society?

A society made up of many different groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is a positive sanction?

A reward given for following norms. Signup and view all the answers

Define real culture.

The norms and values that people actually follow. Signup and view all the answers

What are sanctions?

Expressions of approval or disapproval given to people for upholding or violating norms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

A theory that language creates ways of thinking and perceiving. Signup and view all the answers

Define sociobiology.

A framework of thought that views human behavior as the result of natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

What is a subculture?

The values and related behaviors of a group that distinguish its members from the larger culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is a symbol?

Something to which people attach meaning and then use to communicate with others. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbolic culture?

Another term for nonmaterial culture. Signup and view all the answers

Define taboo.

A norm so strong that it brings revulsion if it is violated. Signup and view all the answers

What does technology refer to in sociology?

Tools and skills, including the methods used in the production process. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Core Concepts of Culture

Core Values: Central values that form the basis of a group's identity.
Counterculture: Groups opposing mainstream cultural values and beliefs.
Cultural Diffusion: The dissemination of cultural traits between groups.

Cultural Dynamics

Cultural Lag: A term by William Ogburn highlighting the disconnect between rapid technological change and societal adaptation.
Cultural Leveling: The process through which cultures become more similar, often influenced by Western industrial practices.
Cultural Relativism: An approach that emphasizes understanding cultures on their own terms rather than through comparison with one’s own culture.

Cultural Traits and Characteristics

Cultural Universal: Traits or norms common across all cultures.
Culture: Encompasses language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects transmitted through generations.

Cultural Experiences

Culture Shock: A state of confusion experienced when encountering a new culture that differs significantly from one's own.
Ethnocentrism: Evaluating other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture, often leading to biased judgments.

Norms and Sanctions

Folkways: Informal norms that are not strictly enforced.
Gestures: Body language used for non-verbal communication.
Ideal Culture: Aspirational values and norms expected within a society.
Material Culture: Physical objects representing a culture, such as art and tools.
Mores: Strongly enforced norms vital to a society's core values.
Negative Sanction: Disapproval for norm violations, ranging from mild reactions to severe penalties.
Positive Sanction: Rewards for conforming to norms, from simple acknowledgments to formal prizes.

Sociocultural Frameworks

New Technology: Emerging technologies significantly affecting social life.
Nonmaterial Culture: Collective beliefs, values, and behaviors of a group.
Norms: Expected behaviors that guide society and promote order.
Pluralistic Society: A diverse society composed of various cultural groups.

Cultural Realities and Variations

Real Culture: Actual norms and values observed in practice.
Sanctions: Reactions to conformity or non-conformity regarding societal norms.
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: The idea that language shapes thought and perception.
Sociobiology: The notion that human behavior is influenced by biological factors and natural selection.
Subculture: Distinct cultural groups within a larger culture, possessing unique values and practices.
Symbol: Objects or concepts imbued with meaning used for communication.
Symbolic Culture: Another term for nonmaterial culture, emphasizing shared meanings.
Taboo: A norm eliciting strong feelings of disgust when violated.

Technology's Role in Culture

Technology: Involves tools and skills shaping human interaction and cultural development.

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Description

Explore key concepts related to culture in sociology with these flashcards. Learn about core values, counterculture, and cultural diffusion, essential for understanding cultural dynamics. This quiz will help reinforce your knowledge and prepare you for further studies in sociology.