The Sociology of Culture

• What are some of the aspects, and characteristics that make a culture a CULTURE?

  • Values, Principles, different forms of community and structure, religion

• What are the “pillars of culture?”

  • There are 3 pillars

  • 1. Ideas (Beliefs, Values, and Language) These exist in our minds

  • 2. Norms: Generally accepted ways of doing things. (you can see norms)(we need to have a basic level of cooperation)

    • Types of Norms:

    • Mores: Refer to the core norms of society

    • Folkways: Refer to the least important norms.

    • Norms involve sanctions (punishments) and social control. When they are violated, like mores, they are converted into laws. Norms can feel coercive.

• 3. Material Objects

• Culture is like a Toolkit

  • Culture is like a Toolkit from which individuals draw to solve problems. 

• When you are born in a society you get handed this toolbox of culture.

Habits of the Heart by Bellah 

• Traditional American Toolkit

• Utilitarian Individualism: The idea that you want to be successful and ambitious, but to do so you have to be calculating, thoughtful and focused. AKA be rich and successful by working hard and being calculating and clever. You open your toolbox and grab the first cultural tool you see. 

• Expressive Individualism: Being creative and expressive, the goal is to enjoy oneself and be happy, that is the purpose of their life. AKA express all their desires. 

•  Civic Republicanism: The purpose of my life is to be active and help my community. Be a responsible neighbor and want your community to thrive. 

• Biblical:  The purpose of my life is to be a good person, when I am older I can look back and say I was a good person. 

• Civic Republicanism and Blibical have weakened. (these 2 toolkits serve others)