SOCIOL 1Z03 Lecture 6: Lecture 6 - Culture

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Sociology
• Course: SOCIOL 1Z03
• Professor: samuel

Document Summary

Definition of culture - is a complex collection of values, beliefs, behaviours, and material objects shared by a group passed on from one generation to the next. French civilization: struggle against tradition and superstition. English civilization: associated with the task of civilization the other". German kultur: represented the desire of nations to maintain their own identity. Human culture predates the existence of modern humans. 5 defining features: culture is learned, culture is shared, culture is transmitted, culture is cumulative, culture is human (page 119-120) Material culture - the tangible artifacts and physical objects found in a given culture. Non material culture - the intangible and abstract components of a society, including values and norms. Values - beliefs about ideal goals and behaviours. Norms - rules that outline appropriate behaviour. Folkways - informal norms that suggest customary ways of behaving. Mores - norms that carry a strong sense of social importance. Taboo - prohibition on actions deemed immoral.