Unit 3

Culture

A complex concept encompassing both material and non-material elements that shape behaviors and societal interactions.

Material Culture

Physical objects and artifacts significant to individuals or societies, such as tools, clothing, and art.

Non-material Culture

Intangible elements like beliefs, values, languages, and customs that shape societal norms.

Subculture

A distinct group within a larger culture, characterized by unique beliefs, values, and practices.

Modern Culture

Also known as pop culture, it originates in economically developed regions and emphasizes individualism.

Folk Culture

More homogeneous cultural practices preserved through relocation diffusion, emphasizing community and collective experiences.

Ethnocentrism

The evaluation of other cultures based on one's own cultural standards, often leading to bias.

Cultural Relativism

The perspective that encourages viewing and evaluating cultures based on their own standards, promoting understanding.

Cultural Landscape

The visible human modifications of the natural environment, reflecting cultural practices and values.

Relocation Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits through the physical movement of people.

Expansion Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits through person-to-person contact without the physical movement of the hearth.

Centripetal Forces

Factors that promote unity and a stronger community identity, such as shared history.

Centrifugal Forces

Factors like ethnic divisions that can fragment communities and weaken social ties.

Creolization

The blending of two or more cultures to create a new, distinct culture.

The Colombian Exchange

A significant event that reshaped the Americas and Europe through the exchange of crops, animals, and diseases.

The Triangular Trade

A route that facilitated the forced migration of enslaved Africans and the exchange of goods and cultural practices.

Globalization

The process that accelerates cultural diffusion by breaking down barriers between societies.

Urbanization

The movement of people from rural to urban areas, leading to diverse cultural interactions.

Assimilation

The process where a minority group adopts the cultural norms of a dominant group.

Acculturation

The adaptation of certain cultural traits from another culture while retaining original cultural aspects.

Multiculturalism

The coexistence of diverse cultures within a society, promoting inclusivity and respect for different backgrounds.