Anthropology Quiz 1

What is the working definition of culture?

Culture is learned and shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and symbol systems that are dynamic.

Does culture affect your biology?

Yes

Is culture adaptable?

Yes, culture is constantly changing.

Is culture individual?

Culture is not at the level of individual, it is being among what is "normal".

How are values and behaviors shown in culture?

Culture is both internalized and shown outwardly.

Culture is the operating manual for…

…what it means to be human.

What is a symbol?

A symbol is something that stands for something else with NO natural connection.

Visual Symbol

things we see, EX- roses symbolize romance

Auditory Symbol

things we hear, EX-sirens symbol emergencies

Gustatory

things we taste, EX-turkey means thanksgiving

Olfactory

things we smell, EX-pine means Christmas

Tactile

things we touch, EX-silk means luxury

What are the 3 types of cultural transmission?

1. Enculturation

2. Acculturation

3.Diffusion

Enculturation

Process of learning and sharing culture from person to person, heavily across generations.

Is enculturation direct or indirect?

BOTH

Direct or Indirect enculturation, "Do this, not that"

Direct

Direct or Indirect enculturation, child moves forward, mother moves back to create conversational distance

Indirect

Who is fully enculturated?

everyone

Who is finished enculturating?

NO ONE, we are never finished and will never have it all

Acculturation

The exchange of cultural features when at least two cultures come into first hand contact.

What type of culture emerges from acculturation?

An almost hybrid culture emerges.

Everyone's acculturation is the same. (true or false)

FALSE, acculturation varies from person to person

Is the original meaning of cultural traits understood in acculturation?

YES, cultures learn from each other.

Diffusion

Certain cultural traits are passed between cultures that DO NOT have firsthand contact.

Is the original meaning of cultural traits understood in diffusion?

No, the old meaning is irrelevant, a new meaning is created. EX- Christmas trees are just decor here, have original meaning in Germany

What are the two concepts related to culture?

1. Ethnocentrism

2. 
   

2. Cultural Relativism (MOST IMPORTANT!!!)

Ethnocentrism

The belief that your own culture is superior to other cultures.

How can Ethnocentrism be good?

self preservation, preserves cultural diversity

How can Ethnocentrism be bad?

It can be maladaptive in the form of racism and genocide.

Cultural Relativism

suspend judgement of another culture until you have the native point of view