SOC101Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 17: Squaw, Kike, Gook
Document Summary
Culture: the knowledge, language, values, customs, and material objects that are passed from person to person and from one generation to the next in a human group or society. Understanding how cultures affect our lives helps us develop a sociological imagination. When we are in contact with a culture different than our own, we are able to perceive the influence of culture on people"s lives (travelling to a foreign country). Globalization (growing interdependence of interconnected economies) has pushed the travellers to be more aware of the culture they are visiting. Culture is essential for our individual survival and for our communication with other people. We rely on culture because we are not born with the information we need to survive (how to take care of ourselves, behave, dress, eat, pray, spend money etc. ) Imitation in order to participate as members of the group and simplify our day-to-day interaction.