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Part 2: The Components of Culture

Part 2: The Components of Culture. 5 Components of Culture. Technology, Symbols, Language, Values, & Norms Components vary: W ithin cultures Between cultures Over the course of time. Technology.

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Part 2: The Components of Culture

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  1. Part 2: The Components of Culture

  2. 5 Components of Culture • Technology, Symbols, Language, Values, & Norms • Components vary: • Within cultures • Between cultures • Over the course of time

  3. Technology • DEFINITION: knowledge and tools people use for practical purposes • Sociologists are not only interested in skills but also the rules of acceptable behavior when using material culture darn

  4. Symbols • DEFINITION: cultural representations of reality; carry meaning • Any word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event or element of the natural world

  5. Hand gestures in different cultures…why the Biebs needs to be careful!

  6. Language • DEFINITION: a system of verbal and written representations that are culturally specific; convey meaning about the world • Critical to the transmission of culture

  7. Language • Does language shape reality? • Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: • People perceive the world through the cultural lens of language

  8. Values & Beliefs • DEFINITION: culturally defined standards about what is good, right, fair and just • Serve as broad guidelines for social living • Values held by a group help determine character of its people and kinds of material/non-material culture they create

  9. Norms • DEFINITION: rules & expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members

  10. Norms • Discussion Questions: • What are some examples of social norms in our society? • What happens if you violate a social norm in our society? • What are some examples of social norms that have changed over time? • What are some examples of social norms in other countries?

  11. Norms • Norms vary around the world according to culture*: • Bulgaria:A nod means no, and a shake of the head from side to side means yes • Great Britain: Never touch the Queen, not even to gently guide her & don’t shake her hand unless she extends it to you first • Germany: Shaking hands while your other hand is in your pocket is considered impolite • Greece: Unlike the British, the Greeks do not respect lines, or queues, in public places • Italy: Italians consider it unfeminine for a woman to pour wine • Russia: Whistling at public gatherings is a sign of disagreement & disapproval • Turkey: It is considered rude to cross your arms over your chest or to put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone

  12. Norms • Oman:It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face your host with the soles of your shoes showing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chair • Iran: Shaking hands with a child shows respect of his or her parents • Saudi Arabia: At political events, it is customary for men to greet elders and dignitaries by kissing their right front shoulder • China: Some pushing and shoving in stores or when boarding public transportation is common and not considered rude • India: Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body in India, you should not pat children on the head or touch an older person’s head • Japan: Women should avoid wearing high heels in order to avoid towering over their male counterparts • South Korea: Koreans, especially women, cover their mouths when laughing to avoid showing the inside of their mouths

  13. Norms (food)

  14. Norms • Norms vary according to context of behavior • Ex: Murderer vs Soldier or Police Officer • Another example…

  15. Folkways v. Mores • 2 Types of Norms: Folkways vs. Mores • Folkways: • Norms that refer to a society’s customs for routine, casual interaction • Mores (MOR-ayz): • Norms that refer to a society’s standards regarding proper moral conduct • More serious mores become laws

  16. Sanctions • Definition: • Rewards or punishments used to enforce conformity to norms

  17. Sanctions • Positive v. Negative Sanctions • Positive: an action that rewards a particular kind of behavior • Negative: a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity • Formal v. Informal Sanctions • Formal: Reward/punishment given by a formal organization such as a school, gov’t • Informal: spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or group

  18. Norm Violation

  19. Norm Violation • Annual NY “No Pants Subway Day”

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