Introduction to SociologyIntroduction to Sociology

Kathy EdwardsLecture Two

SymbolsSymbols• Objects which represent more than

themselves.• Symbols are ideas transformed into objects,

with meaning.• The power of a symbol is the shared

meaning.

SymbolsSymbols• Objects, rituals, gestures, language• The cross, the peace symbol, the flag, the

engagement ring

LanguageLanguage• Language is the most common symbol of

humans.• Language is how we express our culture.• Language is created from our group life.• Language represents our reality.

LanguageLanguage• Language is how we label and describe the

world.• Share understanding an affirm our

existence, consciousness, and expression.• Language changes relations and creates new

relations.

Definitions/TermsDefinitions/Terms• Culture shock: experience of contact with a

culture that is opposite from one’s own culture. The unfamiliarity creates anxiety or disbelief.

• Cultural relativism: understanding that each culture on it’s own terms. Not judging another culture, but seeking to understand.

Definitions/TermsDefinitions/Terms• Subculture: small culture within the

dominant culture. A microcosm of the larger society, may distinguish itself, but maintains the values of dominant culture.

• Examples are: 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, pool hustlers, skateboarders, boaters

Definitions/TermsDefinitions/Terms

• Counterculture: a particular type of subculture whose values of the group are in opposition to society and it’s values. Countercultures are conflicting with the dominant culture: Satanists, gangs: usually a homogeneous group

Definitions/TermsDefinitions/Terms• Ethnocentric: when you use your culture to

judge other individuals or societies, when you see your society as superior to other societies and cultures.

• Xenocentricism: When you view other cultures superior to your own culture

Our cultureOur culture• Often we are programmed by our culture

and conditioned…..

Sociologists look at the Sociologists look at the similarities and differences similarities and differences between people and cultures…between people and cultures…• We examine both material and non material

cultural artifacts of the culture.• We study the historical data, as well as the

people.

Education, Income, Race, Education, Income, Race, Ethnicity, Age, Common Ethnicity, Age, Common Interests, OccupationInterests, Occupation• We develop social categories in order to

study populations.

Attitudes are also part of our Attitudes are also part of our culture: emotions, feelings, culture: emotions, feelings, evaluations.evaluations.• Attitudes are part of non-material culture.