Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the significance and definitions of culture, society, and politics, along with key proponents and sub-disciplines of anthropology, sociology, and political science.

Social Interaction

The foundation of society; a communication of information between individuals that corresponds to a meaning they assign, whether based in harmony or conflict.

Culture (Edward Tylor's definition)

The complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by a man as member of society.

Material Culture

Also called tangible culture; consists of concrete and physical objects people make and utilize, such as tools, weapons, clothing, and furniture.

Non-material culture

Refers to things with no physical form or monetary value, describing abstract concepts like spiritual satisfaction, love, or knowledge.

Dynamic Characteristics of Culture

Refers to how culture changes over time as people react to demands, challenges, discoveries, and cultural borrowing.

Utilitarian Characteristics of Culture

The idea that culture contributes to human satisfaction by providing ways to improve life and make it more comfortable and rewarding.

Society

A system of social interaction that includes both culture and social organization where members maintain ties by conforming to a general way of life.

Politics

The use of power to determine whose values predominate, how resources are allocated, and how conflicting interests in society are resolved.

Cultural Relativism

The belief that all cultures are equally complex with no superior or inferior culture, meaning culture must be understood within its own context.

Ethnocentrism

The act of judging or evaluating other cultures solely by the standards and values of one's own culture, often involving a belief in the superiority of one's own group.

Xenocentrism

The tendency to value another culture more highly than one's own.

Nationality

The identity tied to being part of a nation or country, sharing history and traditions, acquired by birth or through naturalization.

Ethnicity

Identification with a social group sharing specific cultural traditions, languages, social experiences, or ancestry.

Religion

A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, usually involving devotional rituals and a moral code.

Social Differences

Dissimilarities among individuals based on social characteristics and qualities, such as gender, socioeconomic status, and exceptionality.

Gender

Socially constructed characteristics, norms, behaviors, and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl, or boy.

Sex

Refers to the biological characteristics of humans, categorized as female or male.

Upper Class

Consists of elite or rich families; includes the 'new rich' with humble beginnings and the 'traditional upper class' who inherit ancestral wealth.

Exceptionality

The state of being gifted or having physical, intellectual, or mental challenges concerning personality, communication, or physical appearance.

Political Identity

A social category referring to the sets of attitudes and practices an individual adheres to in relation to political systems and group affiliations.

Social Science

The discipline under which identity, culture, society, and politics are studied, analyzing the interactions of society and its members.

Anthropology

Derived from 'antropos' (human) and 'logos' (study); the field promoting a holistic study of what it means to be human.

Archaeology

A sub-discipline of anthropology that examines remains of ancient human populations to understand adaptation and development.

Unilineal Evolution

A theory pioneered by Morgan, Tylor, and Spencer implying that cultures evolve from simple to complex forms.

Franz Boas

Known as the Father of American Anthropology; he promoted the theory of cultural relativism.

Sociology

The scientific study of society, social relationships, and social interaction, derived from 'socius' (group) and 'logos' (study).

Auguste Comte

The Father of Sociology who advocated for positivism, the use of empirical investigations to understand phenomena.

Emile Durkheim

Sociologist who studied social factors underlying suicide and emphasized the importance of collective consciousness and social integration.

Karl Marx

Founder of the conflict perspective who believed class conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie was the key to human history.

Political Science

Derived from 'Polis' (city-state) and 'Scire' (to know); the study of politics, government, state foundations, and power distribution.

Aristotle

The Father of Political Science ($384-322$ BC).

Niccolo Machiavelli

The Father of Modern Political Science (16th century).

Theory of Sovereignty

Articulated by Jean Bodin, viewing the state as the ultimate source of law in a given territory.

Social Change

Any significant alteration or transformation in the organization of social activities, relationships, institutions, or structures.

Cultural Change

Broadly defined as the modification or discontinuance of 'tried and tested' procedures and the introduction of new traits or structures.

Political Change

The modification or establishment of new leadership or policies resulting from significant disruption in government.