Understanding Culture: Terms and Concepts, Quizzes of Social change

Download Understanding Culture: Terms and Concepts and more Quizzes Social change in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Culture DEFINITION 1 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. TERM 6 Norm DEFINITION 6 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.