Unit 2 - Culture: Difference between Culture & Society

Study Notes

Difference between Culture & Society

Culture encompasses shared beliefs, values, norms, symbols, and practices shaping group interactions and world interpretations.
Society consists of individuals in a geographic area interacting through established social institutions and structures.
Culture outlines "what" is practices and meanings, while society outlines "who" interacts and "how" these interactions occur.

What is Culture?

Culture is a collection of beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts utilized by societal members to navigate their environment and relationships.
It is passed down across generations through learning and includes aspects like language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts.

Types of Culture

Material Culture:
- Consists of physical artifacts created by humans.
- Includes architecture, technology, clothing, tools, and artwork, reflecting a society’s technological progress and lifestyle.
Non-material Culture:
- Comprises intangible ideas, beliefs, values, and norms.
- Examples include religion, language, traditions, laws, and ethics, crucial for understanding ideological frameworks and influencing behavior.
Subculture:
- A cultural group existing within a larger culture, often differing in beliefs or interests.
- Examples include goth, hip-hop, punk, and gaming communities, providing diverse perspectives and influencing mainstream culture.
Counterculture:
- A subculture that actively rejects and opposes dominant cultural norms and values.
- Historical examples include the 1960s hippie movement and certain political movements.
Global Culture:
- A collection of shared experiences, norms, symbols, and ideas binding people worldwide.
- Examples include global brands, international sports, and the internet, highlighting the interconnectedness fostered by globalization.
Local Culture:
- Specific to a region, often transmitted through generations.
- Examples include local dialects, regional cuisine, and traditional festivals, preserving unique traditions and community identities.
High Culture:
- Represents cultural products associated with elite or dominant classes.
- Examples include classical music, fine arts, and literature, reflecting the preferences of influential societal members.
Popular Culture (Pop Culture):
- Encompasses mainstream ideas and trends prevalent in society.
- Examples include pop music, television shows, and fashion, revealing contemporary interests and behaviors.
Corporate Culture:
- The collective beliefs and behaviors shaping employee interactions within a company.
- Includes company policies, work environment, and values, influencing employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Culture Shock

Culture shock refers to the disorientation or discomfort experienced when encountering a different culture.
It arises from exposure to unfamiliar social practices and norms, leading to anxiety among individuals.