Sociology Foundations of Society

What are the 5 elements of culture?

Symbols, Language, Values, Beliefs, Norms

Symbols:

Objects with shared meaning (flags, logos)

Language:

Communication system

Values:

Ideas about what's important

Beliefs:

Understanding of what is true

Norms:

Rules for behavior

Formal norms:

Laws

Informal norms:

Customs

Material Culture:

Physical objects and technology like Smartphones, clothing, buildings. Reflects society's values

Non-Material Culture:

Ideas, attitudes, beliefs

Social media behavior; Digital communication norms

Cultural Lag:

describes the gap between new material culture and its acceptance in nonmaterial culture, leading to challenges (e.g., outdated infrastructure in the U.S.).

Cultural Imperialism

where one imposes their cultural values on another culture, often seen in historical colonialism and modern aid efforts.

Cultural Universal

Cultures often share common elements despite differences in how they manifest. Ex: Family structures, marriage, funeral rites, music

Ethnocentrism:

Tendency to evaluate and judge other cultures based on one’s own cultural norms, often leading to a belief that one’s culture is superior.

Xenocentrism:

The belief that another culture is superior to one's own, which can lead to difficulty in reconciling with one's native culture after exposure to different values.

Cultural Relativism:  

 Analyzing a culture through its own lens rather than judging it based on your own cultural norms.

Characteristics of Pre-Industrial Society:

Before the Industrial Revolution: Agricultural focus: Societies were small, rural, and dependent largely on local resources; Traditional values: Prioritizes community, sustainability, and a deep connection to both nature and cultural heritage, Large extended families, Man or Animal Labor; Historical Examples: Hunter Gatherer, Agricultural, Feudal

Characteristics of Industrial Society

Definition: A period of scientific and technological development in the 18th century that transformed Europe and North America; the Rise of Urban development around factories. “Nuclear families": Two parents (typically a mother and a father) and their biological or adopted children living together in a single household; Less preoccupied with maintaining family land and traditions; More focused on acquiring wealth and achieving upward mobility; Capitalism increased, so did social mobility; Social Structure Impact on family, childhood, time standardization, etc.

Characteristics of Post-Industrial Society

1. Information-based economy

2. Technology-driven

   1. Economy focused on knowledge and not material goods

3. Service sector dominance

   1. Power lies with those in charge of storing and distributing information

4. Global connectivity

5. Rapid cultural change

6. Digital communities

   1. Access to information divides social classes (Education)

Achieved Status

Achieved Status–earned; Ex: Doctor

 Ascribed Status

Ascribed Status–born with; Ex: Age

Role Expectations:

socially determined behaviors (or Role Sets) expected of a person with a particular status

Role Conflict:

role expectations of one status interferes with a second status

Role Strain:

difficulty fulfilling the role of one status

Role Exit:

to detach from a role that was previously central to their social identity

Exchange:

interaction in an effort to receive a reward or a return for their actions. (self interest)

Cooperation:

work together to achieve a goal that will benefit more than one person 

Accommodation:

compromise or negotiation where both sides need to give something up to achieve their goal

Competition

oppose each other to achieve a goal that only one can attain

Conflict

deliberate attempt to control a person by force, to oppose someone, or to harm another person

Social Institutions:

groups of statuses and roles that are organized to satisfy one or more of the basic needs of society; Ex: Family, Religion, Sports Teams; An individual will be a member of multiple social institutions which will all contribute to the individual’s overall development; Institutions provide framework for individual development  including knowledge, social control, and support, etc.