Sociology Stuff

1. Definition of Culture

   1. What are the 5 elements of culture

      1. Symbols: Objects with shared meaning (flags, logos)

      2. Language: Communication system

      3. Values: Ideas about what's important

      4. Beliefs: Understanding of what is true

      5. Norms: Rules for behavior

         1. Formal norms (laws)

         2. Informal norms (customs)

   2. Material vs. Non-Material Culture

Material Culture:

• Physical objects and technology

  • Smartphones, clothing, buildings

• Reflects society's values

vs.

Non-Material Culture:

• Ideas, attitudes, beliefs

  • Social media behavior

• Digital communication norms

2. Cultural Lag

   1. describes the gap between new material culture and its acceptance in nonmaterial culture, leading to challenges (e.g., outdated infrastructure in the U.S.).

3. Cultural Imperialism

   1.  where one imposes their cultural values on another culture, often seen in historical colonialism and modern aid efforts.

4. Cultural Universal

   1. Cultures often share common elements despite differences in how they manifest.

      1. Ex: Family structures, marriage, funeral rites, music

5. Ethnocentrism, Xenocentrism, Cultural Relativism

   1. Ethnocentrism: Tendency to evaluate and judge other cultures based on one’s own cultural norms, often leading to a belief that one’s culture is superior.

   2. Xenocentrism: The belief that another culture is superior to one's own, which can lead to difficulty in reconciling with one's native culture after exposure to different values.

   3. Cultural Relativism:  Analyzing a culture through its own lens rather than judging it based on your own cultural norms.

6. Definition of Society

   1. Characteristics of Pre-Industrial Society

      1. Before the Industrial Revolution  

      2. Agricultural focus

         1. Societies were small, rural, and dependent largely on local resources.

      3. Traditional values

         1. Prioritizes community, sustainability, and a deep connection to both nature and cultural heritage.

      4. Large extended families

      5. Man or Animal Labor

Historical Examples: Hunter Gatherer, Agricultural, Feudal

2. Characteristics of Industrial Society

   1. Industrial Revolution

      1. Definition: A period of scientific and technological development in the 18th century that transformed Europe and North America 

   2. Rise of Urban development around factories

   3. Nuclear families

      1. Two parents (typically a mother and a father) and their biological or adopted children living together in a single household.

   2. Less preoccupied with maintaining family land and traditions

      1. More focused on acquiring wealth and achieving upward mobility

   3. Capitalism increased, so did social mobility.

   4. Social Structure Impact on family, childhood, time standardization, etc.

3. Characteristics of Post-Industrial Society

   1. Information-based economy

   2. Technology-driven

      1. Economy focused on knowledge and not material goods

   3. Service sector dominance

      1. Power lies with those in charge of storing and distributing information

   4. Global connectivity

   5. Rapid cultural change

   6. Digital communities

      1. Access to information divides social classes (Education)

7. Societal Status

   1. Achieved Status vs Ascribed Status

      1. Achieved: 

         1. Achieved Status–earned

            1. Ex: Doctor

         2. Ascribed Status–born with

            1. Ex: Age

8. Societal Role

   1. Role Expectations: socially determined behaviors (or Role Sets) expected of a person with a particular status

   2. Role Conflict:  role expectations of one status interferes with a second status

   3. Role Strain: difficulty fulfilling the role of one status

   4. Role Exit: to detach from a role that was previously central to their social identity

9. Social Interactions

   1. Stabilizing

      1. Exchange: interaction in an effort to receive a reward or a return for their actions. (self interest)

      2. Cooperation: work together to achieve a goal that will benefit more than one person 

      3. Accommodation: compromise or negotiation where both sides need to give something up to achieve their goal

   2. Destabilizing

      1. Competition: oppose each other to achieve a goal that only one can attain. 

      2. Conflict:  deliberate attempt to control a person by force, to oppose someone, or to harm another person. 

10. Social Institutions Definition and Examples:

Social Institutions: groups of statuses and roles that are organized to satisfy one or more of the basic needs of society 

• Ex: Family, Religion, Sports Teams

• An individual will be a member of multiple social institutions which will all contribute to the individual’s overall development

• Institutions provide framework for individual development  including knowledge, social control, and support, etc.