Sociology Finals Reviewer

Culture as a system of norms

Statistical Norm: what actually exists
Cultural Norm: what is expected to exist, set of behavior expectations
Kinds:
o Foldways:
repeated and accepted
Passed on; becomes the ways of the folk
Customary, normal, habitual
o Mores:
Strong ideas about the right and the wrong
Requires or forbids certain acts
Rises from a group decision
o Institutions:
Organized cluster
o Laws:
Reinforces the mores
State ways
Legislation and administration
Rules determined by the government
Structure of Culture
Culture trait- smallest unit of culture
Culture complex- cluster of traits
Culture area- specific region where a culture pattern may be found
Culture center- locals or origin
Culture pattern- organization, expression
Aspects of Culture
Universal- culture that requires all members of society
Alternative- individual has options
Specialties- shared by some, but not for all
Subculture- distinguished from a general culture
Contra culture- sharply challenges prevailing patterns
Characteristics of Culture

Culture is learned
All people have varied culture
Culture is a group product
Culture is transmitted from generation to generation
Culture is Adaptive

Functions of Culture
Culture defines situation
Culture defines attitude, values, goals
Culture defines myths, legends and the supernatural
Culture provides behavior patterns
Culture molds national character
Ethnocentricsm
Develops solidarity
Restrics interaction between groups
Effects:
o Promotion of unity, loyalty and morale
o Protection against change
Promotes cultural stability and group survival
Culture Shock
Reaction to the values of the group
Lack off interaction with new society
Personality
Biological, psychological, social, cultural and situational factors
Tendency system
Never fixed, constantly re-modeled by experience
Factors:
o Heredity
o Physical Environment
o Culture
o Group experience
o Unique experience

Cooleys The looking Glass Self- imagination of how we appear to others,

imagination of his judgment of that appearance, and of self feeling (pride
and mortification)

Socialization
Process by which the individual learns to conform to the norms of his
social group
Play group neighborhood school church recreational
Status- defined rank or position
o Ascribed- assigned from birth
o Achieved- by choice or through competition and individual effort
Role- behavior of the individual holding the status
o Role conflict