Knowledge, language, values, customs, physical objects that help explain the behavior

of a particular group or society

MATERIAL—OBJECTS & HOW THEY ARE USED

NON-MATERIAL—IDEAS, VALUES, LANGUAGE, BELIEFS

VERBAL AND WRITTEN RULES SOCIAL INTERACTION “SOCIAL MARKER” Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

◦ Languages differ-----perceptions different

Biological basis for human behavior Behavior that helps people adapt

transmitted by genes No sharp line between human & non human

behavior◦ Criticism—used to justify racial superiority

Nature—reflexes, drives, genes Vs. Nurture-learn from others how to control

social behavior

Which one is more important????

OBJECTS, GESTURES AND IMAGES THAT HAVE MEANING

EXAMPLES—FLAG, “BLACK POWER”, PEACE SIGN

GENERAL IDEA THAT PEOPLE SHARE ABOUT WHAT IS GOOD OR BAD

EXAMPLES: CIVIL RIGHTS, COMPETITION VALUES CAN COMPLEMENT OR COMPETE

WITH EACH OTHER

SPECIFIC GUIDELINE FOR BEHAVIOR EXAMPLES: SMOKING, DATING RULES

EVERYDAY HABITS IF YOU VIOLATE A FOLKWAY, YOU ARE

CONSIDERED A “SLOB”

NORMS VITAL TO THE WELL BEING AND TO OUR VALUES

EXAMPLES—NO INCEST◦ Strong punishment if you are caught

RULES OF A POLITICAL BODY EXAMPLES—TRAFFIC, MURDER, ABUSE Come from mores & norms

DIVERSITY◦ Many groups share social characteristics & keep sharing

cultural traits

SUBCULTURE VS. DOMINANT CULTURE◦ Part of dominant culture but different

COUNTERCULTURES◦ Not part of dominant culture; no shared values

ETHNOCENTRISM◦ One culture better than another; judging

1-discovery 2-invention (innovation) 3-diffusion

◦ Borrowing & accepting an invention or innovation 4-acculturation

◦ 2 cultures meet and change