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Explore the dynamics of society and culture, from shared beliefs to social institutions, material culture, and nonmaterial culture. Discover how culture shapes behaviors and perceptions, encouraging us to rise above primal instincts. Learn about the power dynamics within society and the impact of cultural diversity on human interactions. Unveil the significance of language, symbols, and gestures in shaping our worldview. Delve into the complexities of human culture and its evolving nature in a technologically advancing world.
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Society and Culture Sociology 111 Fall 2008
At its best… encourage us to rise above “animal instincts” think and act beyond our own well-being consider the larger impact. At its worst… can be oppressive and exploitive especially of groups with less power/resources. Society and Culture
Society • Group of people who share a similar set of beliefs and behaviors • Composed of the social networks, social institutions, social organizations, and social groups. • Frequently qualified as sharing the same geographic space • Modern technology challenges this
Culture • The beliefs, values, norms, language, and material objects that are passed from one generation to the next • Molds our perceptions of ourselves, other groups, and the world • Provides implicit and explicit rules for our behavior
Refers simply to a “way of life”. It is a shared perspective, but it is not “absolute truth”. Appalachians, Parisians, and Japanese have distinctive and “equal” cultures. Culture
For clarification • Culture does not mean “sophisticated”. • Confusion over term has led to the incorrect statement that human culture began with agriculture. • Corrected statement: Agriculture allowed the development of complex cultures. • Food, birth, and death rituals existed long before ag.
Material culture • Physical objects • often called artifacts • Can tell us about social relations by their use (utility, aesthetics, or both) and prevalence • “Auto-culture”
Nonmaterial culture • Ways of thinking and behaving that are common to a particular group • Passed from one generation to the next through imitation and learning • Also known as symbolic culture
Using one’s body to communicate Used in every culture Meanings are culturally determined Universal gestures? A system of symbols infinite number of combinations Abstract thoughts & concrete objects/experiences Words are symbols. Culture attaches a particular meaning Gestures and Language
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis • Isn’t just about naming objects in the environment • Creates ways of thinking and perceiving the world • Imposes a way of thinking about the world • Language is a product and reflection of culture