Culture, Values, Norms

What is culture

Culture is a contested concept. It usually refers to the systems of behaviours and beliefs shared by a society or social group

How did Williams (1983) describe culture

‘Way of life’

What aspects of life does culture include

Knowledge, language, faith, art, music, fashion, morals, laws, lifestyle, etc. They shape how members of a group think and behave

What are values

Values are things regarded important in life. They are significant principles in people’s lives that society agrees on

Name some examples of values

Love, life, success, honesty, wealth, education, safety

What are norms

expected patterns of everyday life and behaviour based on the values of a culture. They are specific rules and expectations about how people should and should not behave in certain social situations

What is the relationship between values and Norms

Values underlie social norms. Values are the things a society considers important, while norms are the expected behaviours that reflect those values.

Give an example of a norm

Wearing a seatbelt

What does it mean to say culture is relative

Cultures vary across the world. Norms and values are relative because they can differ according to the time, place and culture being considered.

How can norms and values change overtime

Behaviour considered normal in one period may not be considered normal in another