Part 2: The Components of Culture

5 Components of Culture• Technology, Symbols, Language,

Values, & Norms• Components vary:

–Within cultures–Between cultures–Over the course of

time

Technology

• DEFINITION: knowledge and tools people use for practical purposes

• Sociologists are not only interested in skills but also the rules of acceptable behavior when using material culture

darn

Symbols• DEFINITION: cultural

representations of reality; carry meaning

• Any word, gesture, image, sound, physical object, event or element of the natural world

Hand gestures in different cultures…why the Biebs needs to be careful!

Language• DEFINITION: a

system of verbal and written representations that are culturally specific; convey meaning about the world

• Critical to the transmission of culture

Language

• Does language shape reality?

• Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis:

• People perceive the world through the cultural lens of language

Values & Beliefs

• DEFINITION: culturally defined standards about what is good, right, fair and just

• Serve as broad guidelines for social living

• Values held by a group help determine character of its people and kinds of material/non-material culture they create

http://www.break.com/video/the-majority-of-french-people-are-dumb-335023

Norms

• DEFINITION: rules & expectations by which a society guides the behavior of its members

Norms • Discussion Questions:• What are some examples of social

norms in our society?• What happens if you violate a social

norm in our society?• What are some examples of social

norms that have changed over time?• What are some examples of social

norms in other countries?

Norms• Norms vary around the world

according to culture*:• Bulgaria: A nod means no, and a shake of the head

from side to side means yes• Great Britain: Never touch the Queen, not even to

gently guide her & don’t shake her hand unless she extends it to you first

• Germany: Shaking hands while your other hand is in your pocket is considered impolite

• Greece: Unlike the British, the Greeks do not respect lines, or queues, in public places

• Italy: Italians consider it unfeminine for a woman to pour wine

• Russia: Whistling at public gatherings is a sign of disagreement & disapproval

• Turkey: It is considered rude to cross your arms over your chest or to put your hands in your pockets while talking to someone

Norms • Oman: It is an insult to sit in such a way as to face

your host with the soles of your shoes showing. Do not place your feet on a desk, table, or chair

• Iran: Shaking hands with a child shows respect of his or her parents

• Saudi Arabia: At political events, it is customary for men to greet elders and dignitaries by kissing their right front shoulder

• China: Some pushing and shoving in stores or when boarding public transportation is common and not considered rude

• India: Since the head is considered a sacred part of the body in India, you should not pat children on the head or touch an older person’s head

• Japan: Women should avoid wearing high heels in order to avoid towering over their male counterparts

• South Korea: Koreans, especially women, cover their mouths when laughing to avoid showing the inside of their mouths

Norms (food)

Norms• Norms vary according to context of

behavior– Ex: Murderer vs Soldier or Police Officer– Another example…

Folkways v. Mores• 2 Types of Norms: Folkways vs.

Mores• Folkways: • Norms that refer to a society’s

customs for routine, casual interaction

• Mores (MOR-ayz):

• Norms that refer to a society’s standards regarding proper moral conduct

• More serious mores become laws

Sanctions• Definition: • Rewards or

punishments used to enforce conformity to norms

Sanctions• Positive v. Negative Sanctions

–Positive: an action that rewards a particular kind of behavior

–Negative: a punishment or threat of punishment used to enforce conformity

• Formal v. Informal Sanctions–Formal: Reward/punishment given

by a formal organization such as a school, gov’t

– Informal: spontaneous expression of approval or disapproval given by an individual or group

Norm Violation

Norm Violation• Annual NY “No Pants Subway Day”