W3 Culture

What is Culture?

Culture encompasses the sum total of the social environment in which we are raised and continue to be socialized throughout our lives.

Cultural values

Collectively shared ideas about what is right and wrong within a culture.

Norms

Expectations for how we are supposed to act, think, and look; they translate cultural values into expected behaviours.

Prescriptive norms

Rules depicting behaviours we are expected to perform, such as showing respect or following authority.

Proscriptive norms

Rules outlining behaviours we are expected to refrain from, such as swearing in church or being disruptive.

Folkways

Informal norms based on accepted traditions that emphasize polite behaviour and kindness.

Mores

Institutionalized norms that embody fundamental values, often enforced by laws.

Taboo

Mores that are strongly connoted with morality, making certain acts considered inherently wrong.

Culture Shock

A sense of disorientation and confusion experienced when entering a new cultural community.

High Culture

Activities and interests shared mainly by the social elite, such as opera and classical music.

Popular Culture

Everyday cultural practices and products most desired by the masses, like movies and social media.

Cultural Omnivores

Individuals from the middle and upper classes who consume a wide variety of cultural forms, blending high and popular culture.

Status Symbols

Material indicators of wealth and prestige, such as luxury cars and designer clothing.

Cultural Relativism

The principle of understanding beliefs and practices from within the culture in which they occur.

Ethnocentrism

The tendency to believe that one's culture is superior and the standard for comparing other cultures.

Ideal Culture

Cultural values that most people identify with.

Real Culture

The actual practices and behaviours that occur in society, which may differ from ideal cultural values.