SOC100H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Cultural Relativism, Consumerism, Ryan Gosling
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SOC100H5 Full Course Notes
Verified Note
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Document Summary
Culture is the sum of practices, languages, symbols, beliefs, values, ideologies, and material objects that people create to deal with real-life problems: research shows that superstitious practices help athletes reduce anxiety and improve self- confidence and performance. Ex. a university student ate a sausage and two eggs sunny-side up on the morning of each exam and placed the food in a 100 percent arrangement, as that was the mark she was aiming for. Her practice helped her deal with the real-life problem of anxiety. High culture is consumed mainly by upper classes and includes ballet, art, opera, etc . Popular culture (mass culture) is culture consumed by all classes. Tools help people to plant crops and build houses and religion helps people give meaning to life and come to terms with death: these are both elements of culture because they help people solve real-life problems. Superstitions are often unique to the individuals who create them.
