Sociology Lecture: Understanding Culture

Introduction

• Teacher: Georgia Crawford Williams
• Module: Part of Module 1
• Focus: Exam preparation and understanding culture
• Action Point: Download syllabus online if not done yet

Key Concepts from Previous Week

• Definition of Culture
• Categories of Culture: Material vs. Non-Material
• Characteristics of Culture
• Subculture vs. Counterculture
• Real vs. Ideal Culture
• Cultural Universal vs. Structural Universal

Importance for Exams

• Culture is a heavily featured topic in multiple-choice exams
• Aim for a top score (ones and twos)

Theories of Culture

General Sociology Context

• Sociology focuses on theories to understand societal elements
• Importance of Caribbean theorists for CSEC exams

Ralph Linton's Definition of Culture

• Culture: Way of life, shared ideas, and habits passed generation to generation

Theories of Culture in the Caribbean

1. Plantation Society Theory by George Beckford

• Core Idea: Caribbean society is still a "plantation society"
  • Whites seen as superior, blacks as inferior
  • Norms and values of whites are enforced as correct
  • Language and religion reflect European influence
  • Culturally Eurocentric

2. Plural Society Theory by M.G. Smith

• Core Idea: Multiple cultures exist within Caribbean societies
  • Different racial groups maintain distinct norms and values
  • Society is heterogeneous; basic institutions are not shared
  • Origin of "plural society" term: Adapted from Fernival

3. Social Class Influences by Carl Stone

• Core Idea: Cultural plurality comes from social class, not race
  • Differences are between upper-class and lower-class cultures
  • Social class dictates cultural behaviors and norms

4. Creole Society Theory by Edward Kamau Brathwaite

• Core Idea: Caribbean societies are homogeneous with a creole culture
  • Blend of norms and values from various ancestors
  • Processes: Acculturation (forced norms) and Interculturation (voluntary adoption)

Globalization and Culture

• Impact: Changing cultural norms and values globally
  • Global trade and communication influence local cultures
  • Examples: Pancakes and global media like Peppa Pig
• Cultural Leveling: Emergence of a single global culture

Conclusion

• Acknowledge the ongoing debate on cultural theories and their relevance
• Recognize the unique impact of globalization on culture
• Reminder to prepare for next week's class and stay safe

These notes summarize the key points from the sociology lecture on culture, focusing on the different theories of culture relevant to Caribbean societies, as discussed by various sociologists. The lecture also addressed the impact of globalization on culture and provided insights for exam preparation.