SOC101 Study Guide

Unit 3: Culture

3a. Define culture

  • How is culture defined in sociology?
  • What are the key components of culture?
  • What are the role of symbols, language, and norms in shaping culture?

Culture in sociology refers to the complex system of shared beliefs, values, norms, behaviors, and symbols that shape how members of a society interact and view the world. It includes material aspects, such as objects and technology, and nonmaterial aspects, such as ideas and customs. Culture offers a framework that shapes how individuals learn and interpret their surroundings, guiding their actions and interactions within their social environment.

Culture includes several key components that work together to create a society's distinct way of life. These components include symbols, which are objects or gestures that carry shared meanings; language, which allows communication and the transmission of culture across generations; norms, which are shared rules and expectations that guide behavior; values, which are culturally defined standards of what is desirable or undesirable; and beliefs, which are ideas held by a society that help shape perceptions of reality.

Symbols, language, and norms are integral to shaping and transmitting culture. Symbols represent shared meanings that hold cultural significance, allowing individuals to communicate complex ideas and concepts. Language, as a symbolic system, enables the transmission of cultural knowledge, values, and traditions from one generation to the next. Norms provide guidelines for behavior, indicating what is socially acceptable and appropriate. They vary from society to society and help maintain order and cohesion. Together, these elements create a shared reality and give people a sense of identity and belonging within their culture. Symbols, language, and norms foster cultural continuity and change, enabling societies to adapt and evolve over time.

To review, see:


3b. Compare the cultural concepts of ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, nonmaterial culture, and types of cultural groups

  • What is ethnocentrism?
  • How does cultural relativism challenge ethnocentrism?
  • What is the difference between material and nonmaterial culture?
  • What are the differences between each type of cultural group?

Cultural concepts provide insights into the ways societies function and interact. Ethnocentrism is when a person or a group judges another culture based on their own cultural standards. It is like thinking your way of doing things is the best or only right way, and everything else is strange or wrong. People with ethnocentric attitudes may not fully understand or appreciate other cultures because they are stuck in their own cultural bubbles.

Cultural relativism is a different way of looking at things. It is about trying to understand and respect other cultures on their own terms. Instead of saying, "My way is the only way", cultural relativism says, "Let's try to understand why others do things differently". It challenges ethnocentrism by reminding us that there are many ways to live and think and that each culture has its own reasons for doing things the way they do. It is like removing cultural blinders and trying to see the world from different perspectives.

There are several types of cultural groups. First, there is the dominant culture – the mainstream way most people in a society do things. Subcultures are smaller groups within a society with their own special way of doing things. An example is a subculture of gamers that shares a passion for video games. Counterculture is when a group goes against the dominant culture. Think of the hippies in the 1960s – they concentrated on promoting peace and love, a focus that was completely different from the mainstream purpose. In a nutshell, cultural groups come in different sizes and flavors. They all add their own special spices to the cultural mix.

To review, see Theoretical Perspectives on Culture.


3c. Apply theoretical perspectives to cultural analysis

  • How do functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism approach study culture?
  • What insights can each theoretical perspective offer in understanding cultural phenomena?
  • Can you think of examples of cultural aspects that can be analyzed using these perspectives?

Cultural analysis offers a lens through which we can examine society. How do the three major theoretical perspectives – functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism – contribute to our understanding of culture?

Functionalism highlights culture's role in promoting social cohesion and stability, showcasing how cultural norms and values maintain order. Conflict theory, on the other hand, emphasizes power dynamics and inequalities in cultural systems, shedding light on how dominant groups use culture to reinforce their status and marginalize others. Symbolic interactionism explores micro-level interactions and symbolic meanings that shape individual cultural experiences.

Each theoretical perspective offers a unique lens. Functionalism helps us see how different parts of culture work together to keep society running smoothly. It is like examining how traditions and norms help everyone know what to do and create order. Conflict theory points out the power struggles and inequalities in culture. It helps us see how certain groups control cultural instruments, such as the media, and shape our thinking. Symbolic interactionism zooms in our interactions with cultural symbols, like how we use language or gestures. It is like looking at how everyday things contribute to the bigger cultural picture.

Here are some examples of how each perspective would examine culture. Functionalism helps us understand how rituals, like holidays, bring people together and create a sense of unity. Conflict theory can show us how the media can promote certain cultural values while ignoring others, shaping how we see the world. Symbolic interactionism explores how people from different cultures communicate and interpret symbols, like handshakes or eye contact, differently. It is like putting on different glasses to see culture from different angles. Whether it is seeing how culture glues society together, finding power struggles within it, or exploring how individuals make meaning, these perspectives help us see cultural phenomena in new and interesting ways.

To review, see Theoretical Perspectives on Culture.


Unit 3 Vocabulary

This vocabulary list includes terms you will need to know to successfully complete the final exam.

  • belief
  • counterculture
  • cultural analysis
  • cultural group
  • cultural relativism
  • culture
  • dominant culture
  • ethnocentrism
  • language
  • material culture
  • nonmaterial culture
  • norm
  • subculture
  • symbol
  • value