Culture
A system of learned and shared symbols, language, values, and norms that distinguish one group of people from another.
Enculturation
The process of acquiring culture, a method of learning.
Ethnocentrism
The belief that one's cultural practices are superior to those of others.
Components of Culture
Symbols, language, values, norms that comprise a culture.
Symbols
Something that represents an idea (e.g., a flag or national emblem).
In-groups
Groups of people with whom one shares commonalities and feels a sense of belonging.
Out-groups
Groups of people perceived as different from oneself.
Values
Beliefs pertaining to what is viewed as good, bad, right, or wrong in a culture.
Norms
Common customs that guide behavior and expectations in a society.
Co-cultures
Groups of people who share values, customs, and norms based on mutual interests or characteristics aside from primary national identity.
Individualism
A cultural orientation that emphasizes personal independence and self-reliance.
Collectivism
A cultural orientation that emphasizes the needs and goals of the group over the individual.
Low-context culture
Cultures where communication is direct and explicit.
High-context culture
Cultures where communication relies on implicit understanding and subtleties.
Low power distance
A culture where power is distributed more equally and questioning authority is encouraged.
High power distance
A culture where power is concentrated and hierarchical status is maintained.
Masculine culture
Cultural orientation that promotes achievement, dominance, and competition.
Feminine culture
Cultural orientation that values nurturing, collaboration, and empathy.
Monochronic culture
A cultural view of time as a finite resource that must be managed carefully.
Polychronic culture
A cultural view of time as flexible, allowing for multitasking and fluidity.
Uncertainty avoidance
The degree to which a culture tolerates ambiguity and uncertainty.
Communication codes
The ways in which language, idioms, jargon, and gestures express cultural values.
Idiom
A phrase whose meaning isn't understood from the literal definitions of its individual words.
Jargon
Technical vocabulary specific to a particular profession or interest group.
Gender roles
Culturally constructed norms dictating how men and women are expected to behave.
Biological sex
The biological classification of individuals as female or male.
Sexual orientation
The pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to individuals.
Expressive talk
A communication style that is contextual and often involves emotional expression.
Instrumental talk
A communication style that is task-oriented and often direct.
Linguistic violence
Derogatory or demeaning language, often directed toward women.
Gendered linguistic styles
The different styles of communication often associated with men or women.
Nonverbals
Forms of communication without words, such as body language and touch.
Emotional communication
How one's emotional expressions and styles of communication are influenced by gender norms.
Affectionate behavior
Nonverbal cues that demonstrate closeness or emotional bonding.
Psychology
The study of the mind and behavior, which can impact perceptions of gender.
Genetics
The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.
Anatomy
The study of the structure of organisms, including the differences between sexes.
Masculinity
Culturally associated traits that emphasize strength, assertiveness, and competition.
Femininity
Culturally associated traits that emphasize nurturing, cooperation, and emotional expression.