Questions and Answers
What are culture traits?
The simplest level of culture; an individual tool, act, or belief related to a particular situation or need.
How is the use of symbols related to culture?
The very basis of human culture; symbols are used to create and communicate culture.
What are the basic components that all cultures have?
Technology, symbols, language, values, and norms.
What is a culture complex?
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How is society different from culture?
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What are values?
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What are the three levels of cultural complexity that sociologists use to study different cultures?
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List three examples of material culture.
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How do cultural traits, cultural complexes, and cultural patterns differ?
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What is the difference between material culture and nonmaterial culture?
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Study Notes
Culture Traits
- Simplest level of culture, representing individual tools, acts, or beliefs needed for specific situations.
- Example: Using cutlery (knives, forks, spoons) when dining.
Use of Symbols
- Foundations of human culture, essential for creating and transmitting culture.
- Facilitate communication within groups and across generations, varying among cultures.
Basic Components of Culture
- Key elements that all cultures possess: technology, symbols, language, values, and norms.
Culture Complex
- Formed by the combination of individual culture traits.
- Represents a cluster of interrelated traits within a specific culture.
Difference Between Society and Culture
- Society comprises interdependent individuals sharing a common culture and sense of unity.
- Culture encompasses both material and nonmaterial products generated by people.
Values
- Shared beliefs regarding what is considered good or bad, right or wrong within a group.
- Influence the character of the community and the creation of both material and nonmaterial culture.
Levels of Cultural Complexity
- Cultural features are categorized into three complexity levels: traits, complexes, and patterns.
- Example: Greetings in American culture investigate first as traits (saying "Hi"), then as components (various greetings), and finally as overarching concepts applied in contexts.
Examples of Material Culture
- Includes physical objects created and utilized by a culture, such as automobiles, books, buildings, clothing, computers, and cooking utensils.
Differentiation of Cultural Concepts
- Cultural Trait: Individual acts or tools, e.g., a specific greeting.
- Cultural Complex: Interrelated traits forming a distinct cultural cluster, such as the game of football.
- Cultural Pattern: Combinations of various culture complexes into a unified whole, e.g., the American athletic culture includes different sports.
Material vs. Nonmaterial Culture
- Material Culture: Consists of tangible objects created by a culture, like automobiles and computers.
- Nonmaterial Culture: Encompasses abstract concepts, including beliefs, rules, and family structures.
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Description
Explore key concepts in sociology with these flashcards focusing on the meaning of culture. Understand culture traits and the significance of symbols in human culture. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their knowledge!
