CULTUREWhat is culture?

WHAT IS CULTURE?

Language, beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and material objects that constitute a people’s way of lifeLearned through social

interaction, not biologically determined

Passed from one generation to the next

Culture often changes and evolves over time

VALUES AND NORMS Values: the standards by which

people define what is desirable or undesirable, good/bad, beautiful/ ugly. Guides choices, preferences,

and indicates what people hold worthwhile in life.

Example: Americans value democracy…norms ensure personal freedom.

Norms: the expectations, or rules of behavior, that develop out of a group’s values.Example: free speech and

religion

TYPES OF NORMS Folkways: Not strictly enforced

Expect people to comply, but no biggie if they don’t

Take off hat at dinner, support school activities Mores: Strictly enforced because they are

thought to be essential to core values or well-being of the groupDo not steal, kill; be dressed in publicCan lead to prison, punishment

Taboo: Often brings revulsion if violatedEating human flesh, incest, etc…Leads to prison, punishment, banishment,

death

SANCTIONSSanctions: Reactions people get for

follow-ing or breaking normsPositive Sanction: Approval for following a

norm Prize, trophy, money, hug, smile, pat on back,

handshakes, high fivesNegative Sanction: Disapproval for

breaking a norm Fines, harsh words, frowns, stares, clenched jaws,

raised fists, gestures