Sociology: Concepts and Components of Culture

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering sociological terms, theories, and concepts related to culture.

Ethnocentrism

Bias towards other cultures and thinking your culture/ethnicity is better than everyone else's.

Culture

The shared way of life in a group.

Subculture

A smaller group inside of a larger culture (i.e., bikers).

Counter-culture

A group that rejects mainstream culture (i.e., hippies).

Mores

Strict rules about right and wrong behavior.

Folkways

Casual rules for everyday polite behavior.

Culture Patterns

A group of cultural traits that go together.

Cultural Universals

Traits found in every human culture.

Cultural Relativism

Judging a culture by its own standards instead of your own.

Norms

Shared rules and expectations that guide behavior.

Non-material culture

Non-physical ideas, beliefs, values, and languages.

Material culture

Physical objects that people create and use.

Culture Shock

Feeling confused or lost in an unfamiliar culture.

Cultural Lag

When culture takes time to catch up with new technology.

Cultural Appropriation

Adopting elements of another culture without permission.

Conflict Theory

The idea that a society is a struggle for power and resources.

Interactionist Theory

How people use symbols to interact every day.

Functionalist Theory

How parts of society work together for stability.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of culture from one group to another.

Primary elements/components of culture

Symbols, language, values, beliefs, and norms.

Cultural Leveling

When different cultures become very familiar to each other.