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Test 1 Study Guide --- Culture (chapter 2) Introduction to Sociology ONLINE

What is culture? Know the difference between material culture and nonmaterial culture.

Macionis points out that the terms culture and society obviously go hand in hand, but their precise meanings differ. Understand the difference. Also, note that, as Macionis points out, neither society nor culture could exist without the other.

What is culture shock? Understand how Americans could experience it right here in the U.S. When is culture shock often intense?

Macionis points out that the major components of cultures are symbols, language (a system of symbols), values and beliefs, and norms. He then goes on to discuss each of these components of culture individually on pages 44-50. What are symbols, the first component of culture that he mentions? What does winking the eye have to do with symbolism? What makes us more aware of the importance and power of symbols? What are the effects on people when they dont understand a cultures symbols?

What does Macionis mean when he says that culture shock is a two-way process?

What is cultural transmission?

Some sociologists have pointed out that racism and sexism and other prejudices are reflected in language and reinforced by the continual use of that language. Some examples in the English language: 1.) using the word gypped (a slur on the Gypsies, also called the Roma, who are an ethnic group in Europe) or the word jewwed (a slur on Jews) to mean cheated or ripped off 2.) using the term Indian giver (a slur on Native Americans) to refer to someone who gives something but then takes it back 3.) using the phrase thats so gay (a slur on gay people) to mean thats so stupid 4.) using the term Mr. as a title of respect before a mans name to refer to any man (married or unmarried) but always having to differentiate between women based on their marital status (Mrs. or Miss) Note: The phrase Ms. is commonly used today by many people (especially in the business world) to avoid those traditional sexist titles for women; this term is used as a title of respect before the name of any woman, whether she is married or not.

What are values? How are they different from beliefs?

Know the ten values Robin Williams identified in 1970 as core values in the U.S. As Macionis points out (referring to Williams list), In many ways, cultural values go together . Sometimes, however, one core cultural value contradicts another. He points out that such value conflict causes strain and often leads to awkward balancing acts in our beliefs. Sociologist James Henslin identified additional American values in 1975: education, religiosity, male supremacy, monogamy, and heterosexuality. Some newer (developing) American values: self-fulfillment, personal growth, leisure, concern for the environment, health and fitness.

Macionis notes that values vary from culture to culture around the world. What major differences in values does he identify with regard to higher-income and lower-income countries?

Know what norms are. Understand the differences between the two major types, mores and folkways. As Macionis pointed out in any earlier edition of this textbook: Although we sometimes bristle when others pressure us to conform, norms make our encounters with others more orderly and predictable. (This would be the best time to listen to the short audio lecture on norms. There is a separate study guide associated with that audio lecture; look at the study guide before you begin listening to the lecture.)

If you havent already watched it, watch the online video Full Metal Jacket and know the military values taught to the recruits. (One is conformity.)

What is the difference between ideal culture and real culture?

Macionis notes that in addition to symbolic elements such as values and norms, every culture includes a wide range of physical human creations called artifacts. Know what he means by this term. He points out that a societys artifacts partly reflect underlying cultural values. What examples does he give?

Macionis notes that in addition to expressing values, material culture also reflects a societys level of technology, and he points out that the more complex a societys technology, the easier it is for members of that society to shape the world for themselves. Carefully read through the section on the four major levels of sociocultural evolution identified by Gerhard Lenski on pages 48-49 to help you understand this point. I will expect you to be able to identify the four levels of sociocultural evolution Lenski identified (write the answers below), but I will not expect you to know the details about these four levels. After discussing these four levels of sociocultural evolution, Macionis notes that going beyond the four categories discussed by Lenski, we see that many industrial societies, including the United States, have now entered a postindustrial era in which more and more economic production makes use of new information technology. What does he mean when he says that the emergence of an information economy changes the skills that define a way of life?

Which country is the most monocultural of all high-income nations, and what accounts for its monoculturalism?

Which country is the most multicultural of all high-income nations, and what accounts for its multiculturalism?

What do sociologists mean by the terms high culture and popular culture? Why does Macionis mention the violin/fiddle during this discussion?

Make sure you understand the concept of subcultures.

In speaking of subcultures, Macionis points out that in some cases, ethnicity and religion set people apart from one another, with tragic results. What example of this does he give? What did the cultural conflict in this nation show about subcultures?

Macionis notes that many people view the United States as a melting pot. What is Macionis answer to his question: But given so much cultural diversity, how accurate is the melting pot image?

What is multiculturalism? Macionis notes that it represents a sharp change from the past, when U.S. society downplayed cultural diversity, defining itself in terms of its European and especially English immigrants. Macionis argues that from the outset, the many cultures [in the U.S.] did not melt together as much as harden into a hierarchy. At the top were the English, who formed a majority and established English as the nations dominant language. Further down, people of other backgrounds were advised to model themselves after their betters so that the melting was really a process of Anglicization---adoption of English ways.

Macionis notes that since early in American history, historians have reported events from the point of view of the English and others of European ancestry, paying little attention to the perspectives and accomplishments of Native Americans and people of African and Asian descent. What is Eurocentrism? What are the arguments of the supporters of multiculturalism? What are the arguments of its critics?

What are countercultures? What examples were given both in the past and today?

What is cultural integration?

What is cultural lag, and how is it related to technology?

Macionis notes that cultural changes are set in motion in three ways. Understand these three ways.

In his discussion of enthnocentrism and cultural relativism, Macionis notes that what people in one society think of as right and natural, people elsewhere find puzzling or even immoral. He uses the practice of child labor as an example of this. He notes that just about every imaginable idea or behavior is commonplace somewhere in the world, and this cultural variation causes travelers both excitement and distress. What four examples does he give here?

What is ethnocentrism? Macionis notes that some small degree of ethnocentrism is necessary for people to be emotionally attached to their way of life. However, he notes that enthnocentism can also generate misunderstanding andconflict. What example does he give of how even language is culturally biased?

Macionis notes that the alternative to ethnocentrism is cultural relativism. What is this, and why can it be difficult for travelers to adopt?

Macionis notes that today, more than ever, we can observe many of the same cultural patterns the world over. What are the three global links that have helped make the cultures of the world more similar?

Macionis notes that there are three important limitations to the global culture thesis. What are these three limitations?

How do the structural-functionalists view culture? What are cultural universals? What are the criticisms of this approach?

How do the social-conflict theorists view culture? What criticism of this approach was mentioned?

Macionis notes that sociobiology has generated intriguing insights into the biological roots of some cultural patterns. However, as he notes, the approach is controversial. What two reasons for controversy does he mention?

Make sure you read the section of the textbook titled Culture and Human Freedom. Macionis notes that the capacity for culture does have some drawbacks. What are these?