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Culture
The entire way of life of a group of people (including both material and symbolic elements) that acts as a lens through which one views the world and is passed from one generation to the next. TERM 2
Cultural Relativism
DEFINITION 2 The principle of understanding other cultures on their own terms, rather than judging or evaluating according to one's own culture. TERM 3
Law
DEFINITION 3 A common type of formally defined norm providing an explicit statement about what is permissible and what is illegal in a given society. TERM 4
Sign
DEFINITION 4 A symbol that stands for or conveys an idea. TERM 5
Values
DEFINITION 5 Ideas about what is desirable or contemptible and right or wrong in a particular group; they articulate the essence of everything that a cultural group cherishes and honors.
Norm
A rule or guideline regarding what kinds of behavior are acceptable and appropriate within a society. TERM 7
Material Culture
DEFINITION 7 The objects associated with a cultural group, such as tools, machines, utensils, buildings, and artwork; any physical object to which we give social meaning. TERM 8
Symbolic Culture
DEFINITION 8 The ideas associated with a cultural group, including ways of thinking (beliefs, values, and assumptions) and ways of behaving (norms, interactions, and communication.) TERM 9
Gestures
DEFINITION 9 The ways in which people use their bodies to communicate without words; actions that have symbolic meaning. TERM 10
Language
DEFINITION 10 A system of communication using vocal sounds, gestures, or written symbols; the basis of symbolic culture and the primary means through which we communicate with one another and perpetuate our culture.
Technology
Material artifacts and the knowledge and techniques required to use them. TERM 17
Ethnocentrism
DEFINITION 17 The principle of using one's own culture as a means or standard by which to evaluate another group or individual, leading to the view that cultures other than one's own are abnormal or inferior. TERM 18
Social Control
DEFINITION 18 The formal and informal mechanisms used to elicit conformity to values and norms and thus increase social cohesion. TERM 19
Sanction
DEFINITION 19 Positive or negative reactions to the ways that people follow or disobey norms, including rewards for conformity and punishments for violations. TERM 20
Cultural Imperialism
DEFINITION 20 The imposition of one culture's beliefs and practices on another culture through mass media and consumer products rather than by military force.
Folkway
A loosely enforced norm involving common customs, practices, or procedures that ensure smooth social interaction and acceptance. TERM 22
More
DEFINITION 22 A norm that carries great moral significance, is closely related to the core values of a cultural group, and often involves severe repercussions for violators. TERM 23
Taboo
DEFINITION 23 A norm ingrained so deeply that even thinking about violating it evokes strong feelings of disgust, horror, or revulsion.
