Mr. Sin's AP Human Geography Unit 3 Review

Introduction to Culture

• Culture Definition: Complex and involves both material and non-material aspects.
  • Material Culture: Physical items given value (e.g., clothing, tools).
  • Non-Material Culture: Ideas and beliefs (e.g., holidays, celebrations).
• Culture Complexity: Shaped by personal beliefs and societal influence.

Describing Culture

• Consider the following aspects to describe your culture:
  • Transportation: Public transit, driving, biking, walking.
  • Architecture: Modern vs. traditional buildings.
  • Commerce: Local shops vs. big box stores.
  • Environment: Urban or rural settings; land usage.
  • Social Interactions: In-person vs. technology-mediated.
  • Language: Diversity of languages and accents.
  • Attire and Music: Common clothing and local music.
  • Religion: Prominent religions and their influence.
  • Food: Availability and type of food in stores.
  • Gender Roles: Societal views on sexes and adulthood.
  • Government: Structure and use of taxes.
  • Economy: Currency and economic activities.
  • Education: Cultural teachings in schools.
  • Societal Norms: Social norms and prevalent jobs.
  • Environment Interaction: Mutual influence between society and environment.

Culture Evolution

• Culture consists of shared practices, technology, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, architecture, food, etc.
• Subcultures: Smaller groups within a larger culture (e.g., school culture).

Identity and Culture

• Identity shaped by ethnicity, religion, language, sexual orientation, age, nationality, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Types of Culture

• Modern (Pop) Culture: Diverse, changes over time, diffuses hierarchically, often from developed regions.
• Folk Culture: Homogeneous, diffuses through relocation; family and religion are central.
• Indigenous Culture: Original inhabitants with ancestral ties to the land.

Cultural Interaction

• Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures by own cultural standards, can lead to prejudice.
• Cultural Relativism: Understanding other cultures from their perspective, avoids prejudice.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to practice cultural understanding.
• Reminder to check answers and consider using resources for further study.