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Sociology Chapter 2
Vocabulary Terms
23
Sociology
Undergraduate 1
03/21/2012

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Term
Material (tangible, concrete)
Definition
Consists of the objects created in a given society.
Buildings, art, tools, toys, and other tangible objects
Term
Non-material (intangible, abstract)
Definition
Includes the norms, laws, customs, ideas, and beliefs of a group of people
Term
Ethnocentrism
Definition
The habit of seeing things only from the point of view of one's own group
Term
Cultural Relativism
Definition
The idea that something can be understood and judged only in relation to the cultural context in which it appears
Term
Language
Definition
A set of symbols and rules that provides a complex communication system
Term
Norms (Implicit vs. Explicit
Definition
The specific cultural expectations for how to behave in a given situation
Term
Folkways
Definition
The general standards of behavior adhered to by a group
Term
Mores
Definition
Strict norms that control moral and ethical behavior
Term
Beliefs
Definition
Shared ideas held collectively by people within a given culture about what is true
Term
Values
Definition
The abstract standards in a society or group that define ideal principles
Term
Sanctions
Definition
Mechanisms of social control that enforce norms
Term
Dominant culture
Definition
The culture of the most powerful group in a society
Term
Subcultures
Definition
The cultures of groups whose values and norms of behavior differ to some degree from those of the dominant culture
Term
Countercultures
Definition
Subcultures created as a reaction against the values of the dominant culture
Term
Culture lag
Definition
When cultures adjust slowly to changing cultural conditions
Term
Culture shock
Definition
The feeling of disorientation when one encounters a new or
Term
Culture diffusion
Definition
The transmission of cultural elements form one society or cultural group to another
Term
Culture change imposed
Definition
Term
Culture
Definition
Complex system of meaning and behavior that:
  1. Shapes perceptions
  2. Shapes understanding
  3. Defines proper conduct
  4. Gives meaning to society
Term
Characteristics of Culture
Definition
  1. Material
  2. Non-material
  3. Shared
  4. Learned
  5. Taken for granted
  6. Symbolic
  7. Varies across time and place
Term
Intangible Elements of Culture
Definition
  1. Language
  2. Norms (Implicit vs. Explicit)
  3. Folkways
  4. Mores
  5. Beliefs
  6. Values
  7. Sanctions
Term
Culture Concepts
Definition
  1. Dominant culture
  2. Subcultures
  3. Countercultures
Term
Culture Change
Definition
  1. Culture lag
  2. Culture shock
  3. Culture diffusion
  4. Culture change imposed
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