Overview
This lecture explores the concept of culture in sociology, distinguishing between material and non-material culture, and examines the elements that structure cultural life, including symbols, values, beliefs, norms, and the influence of language.
What is Culture?
- Culture encompasses both material objects (things) and non-material objects (ideas) that form a way of life.
- Material culture includes physical objects like books, buildings, clothing, and street signs.
- Non-material culture involves intangible elements like values, language, customs, and beliefs.
Elements of Non-Material Culture
- Symbols are objects or gestures with shared meanings, such as stop signs or hand signals.
- Language is a symbolic system for communication, including spoken, written, and non-verbal forms.
- Cultural transmission is the process of passing culture from one generation to the next.
The Role of Language
- Language can shape perception and thought, as described by the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.
- The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests language influences how people view the world.
- Studies show that grammatical gender in language can affect how people perceive objects.
Values and Beliefs
- Values are cultural standards for judging what is good or bad, right or wrong.
- Beliefs are specific ideas held about what is true in the world.
- Cultural values vary: Western cultures often value individualism; Eastern cultures may value collectivism.
Norms: Rules for Behavior
- Norms are established rules and expectations for behavior within a society.
- Folkways are informal norms with mild consequences for violation (e.g., facing the wrong way in an elevator).
- Mores are formal norms, often codified as laws, with serious consequences if broken (e.g., workplace dress codes).
- Taboos are the most serious norms, prohibiting behaviors that are morally repugnant (e.g., cannibalism, incest).
Culture and Social Control
- Norms help societies function but can also constrain individuals.
- Some norms may have negative consequences, like encouraging unhealthy competition or dangerous behaviors.
- Sociologists analyze culture to recognize and evaluate its influence on behavior and society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Material Culture — physical objects created and used by society.
- Non-Material Culture — intangible ideas, beliefs, and values of a society.
- Symbol — anything with a shared meaning within a culture.
- Language — a system of symbols used to communicate.
- Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis — theory that language shapes perception and thought.
- Values — ideals about what is desirable or morally correct.
- Beliefs — specific convictions or accepted truths.
- Norms — rules and expectations guiding behavior.
- Folkways — informal norms with minor consequences for violation.
- Mores — formal, codified norms with serious consequences for violation.
- Taboo — behaviors strictly prohibited within a culture.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the definitions of material and non-material culture, symbols, values, beliefs, and norms.
- Reflect on examples of folkways, mores, and taboos in your own culture.
- Consider how language influences your own perception of the world.