Chapter 2: Culture and Gender

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.