Unit 3 Chapter 6: Concepts of Culture

culture

refers to the beliefs, values, practices, behaviors, and technologies shared by a society and passed down from generation to generation

cultural trait

a single attribute of a culture

artifacts

visible objects and technologies that a culture creates, such as houses and buildings, clothing, tools, toys and land-use practices.

sociofacts

structures and organizations that influence social behavior, such as families, governments, education systems, and religious organizations.

mentifacts

central, enduring elements of a culture that reflects its shared ideas, values, knowledge, and beliefs.

popular culture

widespread behaviors, beliefs, and practices of ordinary people in society at a give point in time; tend to change quickly

traditional culture

comprised of long-established behaviors, beliefs, and practices passed down from generation to generation, such as language, food, ceremonies, and customs.

cultural norms

shared standards and patterns that guide the behavior of a group of people, play an important role in upholding traditions and keep traditional culture from changing.

ethnocentrism

an attitude towards cultural differences in which an ethnic group tends to evaluate other groups according to preconceived ideas originating from their own culture; exists in varying degrees; can lead to the belief that one's own cultural group is superior

cultural relativism

an attitude towards cultural differences in which a culture is evaluated solely by its unique standards; requires putting asides one's own cultural criteria to understand the context behind the cultural practice of another culture

cultural landscape

a natural landscape that has been modified by humans, reflecting their cultural beliefs and values

identity

how humans make sense of themselves and how they wish to be viewed by others

sequent occupance

the notion that successive societies leave behind their cultural imprint, a collection of evidence about human character and experiences within a geographic region, which shapes the cultural landscape

ethnicity

state of belonging to a group of people who share common cultural characteristics

ethnic neighborhoods

cultural landscapes within communities of people outside of their areas of origin; large cities typically contain these minority clusters. Ex. Chinatown and Little Italy

religion

a system of spiritual beliefs that helps form cultural perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and values; significantly impacts cultural landscapes

pilgrimage

a journey to a holy place, undertaken for religious reasons

language

carrier of human thoughts and cultural identities; visible language is a clue to the identities of the people who live in an areas

toponyms

place names help define what is unique about a place such as its geographic features or history

gendered spaces

spaces that are designed and deliberately incorporated into the landscape to accommodate gender roles; can exists in homes, workplaces, and public areas; can be supportive or restrictive

safe spaces

spaces of acceptance for people such as members of the LGTQIA+ community who are sometimes marginalized by society; exist within larger more traditional landscapes

third place

refers to a communal space such as a coffee shop, fitness center, or bookstore that is separate from home (first place) or work (second place).

sense of place

the subjective feelings and memories people associate with a geographic location

placemaking

a community-driven process in which people collaborate to create a place where they can live, work, play, and learn; dynamic process that adapts to the needs of the physical, cultural, and social identities that participate in defining and using a specific place

dialects

a variation of a standard language specific to a general area; distinguished by differences in pronunciation, cadence, word choice, and spelling. It becomes part of a regional identity.

adherents

people who are loyal to a belief, religion, or organization.

denominations

a religious branch can be subdivided into separate organizations that unite a number of local congregations. Ex. Lutheran, Methodist, and Baptists are denominations of the Protestant branch of Christianity.

sect

a relatively small group that has separated from an established denomination

centripetal force

a force that unites a group of people; cultural traits the create solidarity among a group and provide stability

centrifugal force

a force that divides groups of people; cultural traits that sow division between the people of a country or region, sometimes leading to violence, civil unrest, or war

multiculturalism

a situation in which different cultures live together without assimilating

contagious diffusion

occurs when an idea or cultural trait spreads adjacently or to people or places that are next to or adjoining one another regardless of social class or status

hierarchical diffusion

spread of an idea or trait from a person or place of power or authority to other people or places

stimulus diffusion

the process by which a cultural trait or idea spreads to another culture or region but is modified to adapt to the new culture

Relocation Diffusion

The innovation or idea is physically carried to new area by migrant individuals or population

Hearth

an area where cultural traits develop and from which cultural traits diffuse

assimilation

a category of acculturation in which the interaction of two cultures results in one culture adopting almost all of the customs, traditions, language, and other cultural traits of the other; can be voluntary or forced

acculturation

the process by which people within one culture adopt some of the traits of another while still retaining their own distinct culture

syncretism

process of innovation combining different cultural features into something new; it is an effect of diffusion that can occur through immigration, military conquest, or marriage between different groups.