Understanding Culture and Norms

Introduction

• Culture impacts even the most mundane behaviors like crossing the street.
• Culture is not only high art and heritage but everyday practices and objects.

Components of Culture

Material Culture

• Physical objects that define a culture:
  • Street signs
  • Buildings
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Iconic landmarks

Non-material Culture

• Intangible creations of human society:
  • Values
  • Symbols
  • Customs
  • Ideals
  • Language

Language and Culture

• Symbolism:
  • Symbols carry specific meanings in a culture (e.g., stop signs).
• Non-verbal Gestures:
  • Gestures convey meaning (e.g., holding up a hand to mean wait).
• Language and Communication:
  • Language transmits culture (known as cultural transmission).
  • Language influences worldview (Sapir-Whorf hypothesis).

Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

• Language shapes thoughts and actions.
• Example: Gendered nouns affect perceptions:
  • Spanish "la luna" (feminine) vs. German "der mond" (masculine).
  • Cultural perceptions differ based on language.

Values and Beliefs

• Values:
  • Standards for deciding what’s good or bad, right or wrong.
  • Ex: American value of democracy.
• Beliefs:
  • Specific ideas perceived as true.
  • Ex: Belief that everyone should have the right to vote.

Norms

• Rules and expectations guiding behavior.

Folkways

• Informal norms (e.g., elevator etiquette).
• Violation results in mild social reactions.
• Positive sanctions possible from certain groups.

Mores

• Formal norms codified in laws.
• Violations lead to severe sanctions (e.g., dress codes).

Taboos

• Crucial norms with severe consequences if violated.
• Actions considered morally reprehensible (e.g., cannibalism).

Cultural Impact on Society

• Norms facilitate societal function but can be restrictive.
• Example: Competition vs. cooperation norms.
• Sociological analysis helps identify and evaluate these norms.

Summary

• Culture is a complex system including material and non-material elements.
• Symbols, values and beliefs, and norms form the core of cultural analysis.
• Language plays a crucial role in cultural transmission.
• Studying norms helps understand societal functioning and constraints.

Outro

• Sociological perspective sheds light on the cultural forces shaping our world.

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