SOCI 201 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: George Ritzer, Cultural Relativism, Consumerism
Document Summary
Culture as a continuum: culture relativism________________ethnocentrism, most common example of culture relativism is our policy of multiculturalism. Both canada and australia (both multicultural cultures) have done fairly well. Cultural relativism assumes every culture has intrinsic worth while ethnocentrism assumes our culture is superior. Twin faces of culture: culture provides us with more choices and greater freedom, at times, however, it also constrains us. Freedom - multiculturalism provides minorities with rights: globalization increased trade, communication, production, rights revolution - 1948 universal declaration of human rights. Compensation for past injustices: postmodernism, an eclectic mixing of elements from di erent times and places. Food is more e cient, fast, and we expect it to be. Conveyer belt burgers like ford cars being built. Menus are the same, stores are the same, variety is considered problematic - order by number ( make it more pro table). In the 1940s, families would commonly consume 3 meals together - meal time was considered important.