−
Ex. Mormons believe in polygamy.
Polygamy =
more than one spouse,
polygyny
= more than one wife
−
Ex. Amish reject mainstream ideas and have their own ideas, reject technology and consumerism.
Jim Goes to College Subculture
Within a nation many smaller groups – ethnic, regional, tribal subcultures made of people who identify closely with
each other.
So subculture is smaller community t
hat distinguishes itself from larger society.
−
Different cities states in US may have their own unique subcultures.
●
Ex. Jim, grew up in Florida his whole life, but got into university in Washington DC. Notices a lot of
differences between the two. Ex. Has to parallel park, and has to pay for parking. Driving in DC not same as in
Florida, much more traffic.
Culture Lag and Culture Shock
Culture lag
is the fact culture takes time to catch up
with technological innovations, resulting in social problems
.
−
Common in societies because material culture changes rapidly, while non-material culture resists change.
−
Material culture
refers to physical and technological aspects
of our daily lives, like
food and houses
−
Non-material culture
doesn’t include physical objects, like
ideas/beliefs/values
, which resist change
.
●
Examples: when cars first invented no laws to govern driving (no speed limits, lanes, etc). Very dangerous but
laws soon written to fix problem. Or invention of computers and emails.
Culture Shock
– feelings of disorientation, uncertainty, and even fear when they encounter unfamiliar culture
practices. Ex. Moving countries or travels to another type of life (urban to rural).
−
In foreign places, business conducted differently, and food completely different.
−
As a result of culture shock may feel homesick, lonely, etc.
−
Sometimes see things frowned upon in own culture
Diffusion
Diffusion
is the spread of an invention or discovery
from one place to another. Even technology and software have
made a difference in how people connect with others across the globe. Can occur in many ways.
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●
Ex. Capitalism, democracy and religious beliefs
●
Exploration, military conquest, missionary work, mass media, tourism, internet.
●
Ex. Food in America seen all around the world – McDonalds in Asia. Spanish is one of fastest growing
languages. Or the ALS ice bucket challenge.
Mass media
= dissemination of information, and how it’s transmitted within a culture. Includes print media and
digital media. How it’s consumed changes across cultures in each group. Can look at role it plays through society
through different sociological perspectives.
−
According to the
functionalist perspective
, its main role is to provide
entertainment
. Also says it can act as an
agent of socialization
(ex.
Collective experience
of watching Olympics on TV, and
community building
– entire
internet communities) and act as an
enforcer of social norms
.
