CH-2 Culture – Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials : Exam Guide

CHAPTER 2 - CULTURE MULTIPLE CHOICE SECTION 1. __________ is the knowledge, language, values, customs, and material objects that are passed from person to person and from one generation to the next in a human group or society. A. Technology B. Society C. Culture D. Social organization Answer: C 2. A __________ is a large social grouping that occupies the same geographical territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. A. country B. society C. nation D. culture Answer: B 3. __________ is essential for our individual survival and our communication with other people. We rely on it because we are not born with the information we need to survive. We must learn through interaction, observation, and imitation in order to participate as members of the group. A. Social organization B. Society C. Technology D. Culture Answer: D 4. A(n) __________ is an unlearned, biologically determined behavior pattern common to all members of a species that predictably occurs whenever certain environmental conditions exist. A. impulse B. reflex C. drive D. instinct Answer: D 5. Spiders do not learn to build webs. They build webs because of __________ that are triggered by basic biological needs such as protection and reproduction. A. instincts B. impulses C. reflexes D. drives Answer: A 6. A(n) __________ is an unlearned, biologically determined involuntary response to some physical stimuli. A. instinct B. reflex C. drive D. impulse Answer: B 7. Examples of __________ include a sneeze after breathing some pepper in through the nose or the blinking of an eye when a speck of dust gets in it. A. impulses B. drives C. reflexes D. instincts Answer: C 8. __________ are unlearned, biologically determined impulses common to all members of a species that satisfy needs such as those for sleep, food, water, or sexual gratification. A. Instincts B. Drives C. Reflexes D. Reactions Answer: B 9. According to sociologist Ann Swidler, __________ is/are a "tool kit of symbols, stories, rituals, and world views, which people may use in varying configurations to solve different kinds of problems." A. instincts B. society C. reflexes D. culture Answer: D 10. __________ consists of the physical or tangible creations that members of a society make, use, and share. A. Technology B. Nonmaterial culture C. Cultural universals D. Material culture Answer: D 11. Initially, items of __________ begin as raw materials or resources such as ore, trees, and oil. Through technology, these raw materials are transformed into usable items (ranging from books and computers to guns and tanks). A. general culture B. material culture C. basic culture D. nonmaterial culture Answer: B 12. Sociologists define __________ as the knowledge, techniques, and tools that make it possible for people to transform resources into usable forms, and the knowledge and skills required to use them after they are developed. A. industrialization B. technology C. material culture D. cybernetics Answer: B 13. __________ consists of the abstract or intangible human creations of society that influence people’s behavior. A. Material culture B. Technology C. Nonmaterial culture D. Cultural universals Answer: C 14. Which statement below is true? A. Most Chinese find cheese a delicacy. B. Only Judaism and Islam have dietary rules and rituals. C. In many cultures, round foods (e.g., grapes) are given to celebrate the birth of babies. D. Even among younger generations of immigrants to the U.S. there is a resistance to American items like pizza. Answer: C 15. The ____ community encourages families to prepare their food from scratch and to preserve their own fruits. A. Mormon B. Japanese American C. Amish D. Hispanic Answer: C 16. Language, beliefs, values, rules of behavior, family patterns, and political systems are examples of __________. A. nonmaterial culture B. symbolic culture C. material culture D. cultural universals Answer: A 17. A central component of nonmaterial culture is __________, which is the mental acceptance or conviction that certain things are true or real. A. ideologies B. beliefs C. morals D. inspirations Answer: B 18. Shaking our fist at someone or giving them “the finger” are examples of gestures. Gestures make up A. cultural universals. B. material culture. C. counterculture. D. nonmaterial culture. Answer: D 19. __________ may be based on tradition, faith, experience, scientific research, or some combination of these. Faith in a supreme being and trust in another person are examples. A. Inspirations B. Morals C. Ideologies D. Beliefs Answer: D 20. Anthropologist George Murdock compiled a list of over seventy __________, which are customs and practices that occur across all societies. A. symbols B. beliefs C. cultural universals D. norms Answer: C 21. A(n) __________ is anything that meaningfully represents something else. Culture could not exist without them because there would be no shared meanings among people. A. indicator B. symbol C. device D. character Answer: B 22. A flag is an example of a(n) __________. Flags can stand for patriotism, nationalism, school spirit, or religious beliefs held by members of a group or society. They can also be a source of discord and strife among people, as evidenced by recent controversies over the Confederate flag and what it stands for. A. character B. device C. symbol D. indicator Answer: C 23. When Winston Churchill held up his index and middle fingers in the shape of a "V," this gesture implied victory in battle; the same gesture, displayed by demonstrators during the Vietnam war, implied "peace." Both of these gestures exemplify A. symbols. B. technology. C. language. D. values. Answer: A 24. __________ is/are a set of symbols that expresses ideas and enables people to think and communicate with one another. A. Beliefs B. Values C. Language D. Norms Answer: C 25. Which of the following statements regarding language is true? A. Chimpanzees can use elements of Standard American Sign Language and manipulate physical objects to make "sentences." B. Nonhuman animals are sometimes able to transmit complex aspects of culture to their offspring. C. Higher apes can manipulate symbols to express abstract concepts and rules, thereby transmitting culture from one generation to the next. D. Language is solely a human characteristic. Answer: A 26. The __________ suggests that language not only expresses our thoughts and perceptions but also influences our perception of reality. A. Helmicki-Kendall theorem B. Thompson-Murdock principle C. Sapir-Whorf hypothesis D. Smith-Wesson law Answer: C 27. Which of the following was not cited as a way in which language may create and reinforce negative perceptions about race and ethnicity? A. Words may have more than one meaning and create and reinforce negative images. B. Overtly derogatory terms are "popularized" in movies, music, and other forms of popular culture. C. The "voice" of verbs may overemphasize the importance of the activities and achievements of people of color. D. Adjectives that typically have positive connotations—such as "qualified"—can have entirely different meanings when applied to people of color as compared with whites. Answer: C 28. Latinos in New Mexico and south Texas use __________, which are proverbs or sayings that are unique to the Spanish language as a means of expressing themselves and as a reflection of their cultural heritage. A. dichos B. machos C. nachos D. memos Answer: A 29. Recent data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that approximately __________ percent of the people in this country speak a language other than English at home. A. 5 B. 17 C. 25 D. 33 Answer: B 30. __________ theorists view language as a source of power and social control; it perpetuates inequalities between people and between groups because words are used to “keep people in their place.” A. Symbolic interactionist B. Functionalist C. Postmodern D. Conflict Answer: D 31. __________ are collective ideas about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and desirable or undesirable in a particular culture. A. Beliefs B. Norms C. Values D. Assumptions Answer: C 32. __________ theorists tend to believe that shared values are essential for societies and have conducted most of the research on “core” values. Sociologist Robin Williams has identified ten “core” values as being important to people in the United States. A. Conflict B. Functionalist C. Symbolic interactionist D. Postmodern Answer: B 33. According to sociologist Robin Williams, we cherish the ideal of __________ for the reason that Americans believe people are responsible for their own success or failure. Those who do not succeed have only themselves to blame because of their lack of ability, laziness, immorality, or other character defects. A. individualism B. progress and material comfort C. efficiency and practicality D. morality and humanitarianism Answer: A 34. According to sociologist Robin Williams, __________ is an American core value that emphasizes helpfulness, personal kindness, aid in mass disasters, and organized philanthropy. A. equality B. achievement and success C. progress and material comfort D. morality and humanitarianism Answer: D 35. __________ are values that conflict with one another or are mutually exclusive (achieving one makes it difficult, if not impossible, to achieve another). A. Material contradictions B. Morality contradictions C. Value contradictions D. Nonmaterial contradictions Answer: C 36. More recently, sociologists have argued for some emerging core values in the U.S. Which is not one of them? A. ecological sensitivity B. honesty, openness and fairness C. spirituality D. self-sacrifice Answer: D 37. Core values of morality and humanitarianism may be __________ with values of individual achievement and success. For example, humanitarian values reflected in welfare and other government aid programs for people in need clash with values emphasizing hard work and personal achievement. A. material contradictions B. value contradictions C. nonmaterial contradictions D. morality contradictions Answer: B 38. "American society stands for equal opportunity for all." This statement exemplifies __________ culture, which refers to the values and standards that people in a society profess to hold A. ideal B. real C. material D. universal Answer: A 39. People may claim to be law-abiding, but they engage in behaviors that are illegal. This exemplifies __________ culture, which refers to the values and standards of behavior that people actually follow. A. ideal B. real C. material D. universal Answer: B 40. Eric is attending classes at the local college. He believes in the idea of success, but he does not spend as much time as he could studying to achieve a higher grade point average. His behavior is an example of __________ culture. A. ideal B. real C. material D. universal Answer: B 41. Sociologists stress that a gap always exists between culture. For example, we may claim to be law-abiding (__________) but smoke marijuana (__________). A. ideal culture; real culture B. material culture; universal culture C. real culture; ideal culture D. universal culture; material culture Answer: A 42. Values provide ideals of beliefs about behavior but do not state explicitly how we should behave. __________ are established rules of behavior or standards of conduct A. Mores B. Folkways C. Sanctions D. Norms Answer: D 43. __________ norms state what behavior is appropriate or acceptable. For example, persons making a certain amount of money are expected to file a tax return and pay any taxes they owe. A. Standard B. Prescriptive C. Regular D. Proscriptive Answer: B 44. __________ state what behavior is inappropriate or unacceptable. Laws that prohibit us from driving over the speed limit and “good manners” that preclude you from reading a newspaper during class are examples. A. Proscriptive norms B. Nonstandard norms C. Prescriptive norms D. Subscriptive norms Answer: A 45. Not all norms are of equal importance; __________ are written down and involve specific punishments for violators. Laws are the most common type; they have been codified and may be enforced by sanctions. A. informal norms B. real norms C. formal norms D. ideal norms Answer: C 46. __________ are rewards for appropriate behavior or penalties for inappropriate behavior. A. Folkways B. Mores C. Sanctions D. Taboos Answer: C 47. After having successfully negotiated an important business contract with a major client, Joyce’s boss congratulated her and promised her a significant pay raise. In this situation, Joyce has received what sociologists refer to as a __________. A. positive folkway B. positive sanction C. positive mores D. positive value Answer: B 48. After hitting 60 home runs and leading the league in runs batted in, the league’s managers and players voted to award Robert the “Babe Ruth” Trophy. In this situation, Robert has received what sociologists call a __________. A. positive mores B. positive value C. positive sanction D. positive folkway Answer: C 49. Luke has just received a stern lecture from his mother about his lack of motivation. According to sociologists, Luke has just received a __________. A. value reinforcement B. positive sanction C. norm violation D. negative sanction Answer: D 50. Norms considered to be less important are referred to as __________, which are unwritten standards of behavior understood by people who share a common identity. A. informal mores B. folkways C. informal norms D. negative sanctions Answer: C 51. During a sermon in church, a parishioner begins to talk to the person sitting next to her in an audible tone of voice. A man in another pew turns around, frowns at her, and says "Shhhhhhhh." This illustrates a(n) __________. A. negative informal norm B. positive formal norm C. taboo D. folkway Answer: A 52. Norms are also classified according to their relative social importance. __________ are informal norms or everyday customs that may be violated without serious consequences within a particular culture. They provide rules for conduct but are not considered to be essential to society’s survival. A. Mores B. Folkways C. Sanctions D. Taboos Answer: B 53. In the United States, __________ include using underarm deodorant, brushing our teeth, and wearing appropriate clothing for a specific occasion. A. formal norms B. folkways C. mores D. laws Answer: B 54. As you are rushing from one class to the next, you absentmindedly forget to hold the door open for the person coming through behind you. The consequence is that the person has the door slammed in their face. Which of the following cultural components has been violated as a result of your behavior? A. taboo B. folkway C. sanction D. mores Answer: B 55. Some norms are considered to be highly essential to the stability of society. __________ are strongly held norms with moral and ethical connotations that may not be violated without serious consequences in a particular culture. A. Folkways B. Informal norms C. Negative sanctions D. Mores Answer: D 56. Brian and Jenny went walking in the neighborhood park. Both of them were wearing nothing on the upper half of their bodies. Brian would be violating a __________; and Jenny would be violating a __________. A. mores; taboo B. folkway; mores C. mores; folkway D. folkway; taboo Answer: B 57. The strongest mores are referred to as __________. They are so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and even unmentionable. A. sanctions B. folkways C. laws D. taboos Answer: D 58. Jeffery Dahmer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison for this offense. He also practiced cannibalism on his victims. In this situation, the act of murder could be described as the violation of a __________, while cannibalism could be described as the violation of a __________. A. value; belief B. folkway; mores C. mores; taboo D. mores; folkway Answer: C 59. __________ are formal, standardized norms that have been enacted by legislatures and are enforced by formal sanctions. A. Folkways B. Mores C. Laws D. Legislative mandates Answer: C 60. __________ deals with disputes among persons or groups. Persons who lose these types of lawsuits may encounter negative sanctions such as having to pay compensation to the other party or being ordered to stop certain conduct. A. Civil law B. Formal law C. Criminal law D. Informal law Answer: A 61. __________ deals with public safety and well-being. When these types of law are violated, fines and prison sentences are the most likely negative sanctions, although in some states the death penalty is handed down for certain major offenses. A. Informal law B. Civil law C. Formal law D. Criminal law Answer: D 62. All parts of culture do not change at the same pace. Sociologist William Ogburn referred to this disparity as __________, which is the gap between the technical development of a society and the development of its moral and legal institutions. A. cultural leveling B. cultural division C. cultural lag D. cultural diffusion Answer: C 63. When Napster first enabled users to exchange music files on the Internet, recording companies cried “foul” even though there were no laws to limit such exchanges. This gap between social norms and technology provides an illustration of what sociologist William Ogburn called __________. A. cultural diffusion B. cultural lag C. cultural division D. cultural leveling Answer: B 64. __________ is the process of learning about something previously unknown or unrecognized. Historically, it has involved unearthing natural elements (such as fire) or existing realities (the true shape of the earth). A. Invention B. Diffusion C. Discovery D. Cultural advancement Answer: C 65. Today, discovery most often results from __________. For example, discovery of a polio vaccine virtually eliminated one of the major childhood diseases. A. scientific research. B. unearthing natural elements. C. uncovering existing realities. D. diffusion. Answer: A 66. __________ is the process of reshaping existing cultural items into a new form. Guns, video games, and airplanes are examples that affect our lives today. A. Discovery B. Invention C. Diffusion D. Diversity Answer: B 67. __________ is the transmission of cultural items or social practices from one group or society to another through such means as exploration, military endeavors, the media, tourism, and immigration. A. Discovery B. Diffusion C. Functional reorganization D. Rediscovery Answer: B 68. The popularity of piñatas in China, Italy, Spain, Mexico, the United States, and other nations is an example of __________. A. cultural initiative B. cultural transformation C. cultural diffusion D. cultural relativism Answer: C 69. In a six square block tract of downtown Boston, it is possible to purchase a bagel with cream cheese, dine on raw fish in a sushi bar, or grab a slice of pizza from a street vendor. This variety of food choices illustrates the process of __________. A. cultural initiative B. cultural relativism C. cultural transformation D. cultural diffusion Answer: D 70. __________ refers to the wide range of cultural differences found between and within nations. It may be the result of natural circumstances (climate and geography) or social circumstances (level of technology and composition of the population). A. Cultural relativism B. Cultural diversity C. Cultural diffusion D. Cultural transformation Answer: B 71. Some nations, such as Sweden, are referred to as __________, which means that they include people who share a common culture and who are typically from similar social, religious, political, and economic backgrounds. A. homogeneous societies B. subculture societies C. heterogeneous societies D. counterculture societies Answer: A 72. Some nations, such as the United States, are referred to as __________, which means that they include people who are dissimilar in regard to social characteristics such as religion, income, or race/ethnicity. A. subculture societies B. homogeneous societies C. counterculture societies D. heterogeneous societies Answer: D 73. A __________ is a category of people who share distinguishing attributes, beliefs, values, and/or norms that set them apart in some significant manner from the dominant culture. A. contra culture B. counterculture C. subculture D. primary culture Answer: C 74. At the Back to Nature Nudist Colony, Brad and Jennifer enjoy taking long walks every morning along the beach, totally nude. Within the colony, which statement best describes the behavior of Brad and Jennifer? A. Brad and Jennifer are an example of a need for nudist subcultures. B. Brad and Jennifer are challenging a taboo of the nudist subculture. C. Both Brad and Jennifer are conforming to the norms of their subculture. D. Both Brad and Jennifer are conforming to the norms of their counterculture. Answer: C 75. In the month of December, many Jewish families celebrate Chanukah (the Festival of Light), during which special foods are served and families engage in ritual activity unique to their religious faith. In this context, members of the Jewish faith would represent a __________. A. rival culture B. counterculture C. contra culture D. subculture Answer: D 76. Clay is a high ranking executive of the Harley-Davidson Company. He is a member of the Free Wheelers, a motorcycle group. On the weekends, the Free Wheelers go camping and fishing and often sponsor community service programs. Clay would be considered a member of a(n) __________. A. counterculture B. minority culture C. subculture D. underground culture Answer: C 77. Today, over 75 percent of the more than 100,000 Old Order Amish live in __________ where they practice their religious beliefs and remain a relatively closed social network. A. Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa B. Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana C. New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania D. California, Utah, and Idaho Answer: B 78. Which is not a technique suggested by Daisy Kabagarama for communicating across cultures? A. get acquainted B. deal with stereotypes C. establish trust and cooperation D. use compliments regularly and extensively Answer: D 79. According to the text, __________, located in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, are one of the more visible ethnic subcultures in the United States. A. Chinatowns B. Irish enclaves C. Italian enclaves D. Latino/a barrios Answer: A 80. A __________ is a group that strongly rejects dominant societal values and norms and seeks alternative lifestyles. A. subculture B. counterculture C. contra culture D. secondary culture Answer: B 81. “The Order,” a white supremacist group, is opposed to most of the values of the dominant society and has purchased weapons with the purpose of going after its enemies. This group can best be described as a __________. A. secondary culture B. contra culture C. subculture D. counterculture Answer: D 82. Groups such as the beatniks of the 1950s, the drug enthusiasts of the 1970s, and members of religious cults reject some or many of culture’s basic norms and values. These groups are called A. contra cultures B. secondary cultures C. countercultures D. subcultures Answer: C 83. __________ is the disorientation that people feel when they encounter cultures radically different from their own and believe they cannot depend on their own taken-for-granted assumption about life. A. Culture shock B. Societal disbelief C. National shame D. Group anomie Answer: A 84. When anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon first confronted the Yanomamo tribe of South America, he became nauseated at the sight of their customs and social environment. Chagnon experienced __________. A. subcultural shame B. societal disbelief C. culture shock D. personal anomie Answer: C 85. According to sociologists, __________ is the practice of judging all other cultures by one’s own culture. It is based on the assumption that one’s own way of life is superior to all others. A. authoritarianism B. ethnocentrism C. cultural relativism D. self-centeredness Answer: B 86. During Olympic Games, competition and the spirits of nationalism and patriotism encourage people to think of their own nation as "the best." This illustrates the principle of __________. A. cultural relativism B. self-centeredness C. authoritarianism D. ethnocentrism Answer: D 87. According to sociologists, __________ is the belief that the behaviours and customs of any society must be viewed and analyzed by the culture’s own standards. A. cultural xenocentrism B. authoritarianism C. cultural relativism D. reverse ethnocentrism Answer: C 88. __________ culture consists of classical music, opera, ballet, live theater, and other activities usually patronized by elite audiences, composed primarily of members of the upper-middle and upper classes, who have the time, money, and knowledge assumed to be necessary for its appreciation. A. Ideal B. Real C. High D. Popular Answer: C 89. __________ consists of activities, products, and services that are assumed to appeal primarily to members of the middle and working classes. These include rock concerts, spectator sports, movies, and television soap operas and situation comedies. A. Nonmaterial culture B. Popular culture C. High culture D. Material culture Answer: B 90. A __________ is a temporary but widely copied activity followed enthusiastically by large numbers of people. Most are short-lived novelties. A. fashion B. popular culture form C. fad D. collective behavior Answer: C 91. Recent examples of __________ include Harry Potter wands, SpongeBob SquarePants trading cards, and Lord of the Rings dolls and mugs. A. object fads B. activity fads C. idea fads D. personality fads Answer: A 92. According to sociologist John Lofland, body piercing, “surfing” the Internet, and fad diets where a person eats large quantities of one specific food such as grapefruit or popcorn are all examples of a/an ___________ fad. A. personality B. object C. idea D. activity Answer: D 93. A __________ is a currently valued style of behavior, thinking, or appearance that is longer lasting and more widespread than a fad. A. fashion B. novelty C. normative behavior D. collective behavior Answer: A 94. Soccer is an example of a __________ in sports. Until recently, only schoolchildren played soccer in the United States. Now, it has become a popular sport, perhaps in part because of immigrants from Latin America and other areas of the world where soccer is widely played. A. fad B. collective behavior C. trend D. fashion Answer: D 95. Anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski suggested that culture helps people meet their needs. Which of the following need categories did Malinowski not identify? A. Instrumental needs – law and education B. Expressive needs – motivation and emotion C. Biological needs – food and procreation D. Integrative needs – religion and art Answer: B 96. A strength of the __________ on culture is its focus on the needs of society and the fact that stability is essential for society’s continued survival. A shortcoming is its overemphasis on harmony and cooperation. A. conflict perspective B. symbolic interactionist perspective C. postmodern perspective D. functionalist perspective Answer: D 97. __________ perspectives are based on the assumption that social life is a continuous struggle in which members of powerful groups seek to control scarce resources. In addition, values and norms help create and sustain the privileged position of the powerful in society while excluding others. A. Postmodern B. Conflict C. Symbolic interactionist D. Functionalist Answer: B 98. From the __________ perspectives, people create, maintain, and modify culture as they go about their everyday activities. People continually negotiate their social realities. Values and norms are not independent realities that automatically determine our behavior. Instead, we reinterpret them in each social situation we encounter. A. symbolic interactionist B. conflict C. functionalist D. postmodern Answer: A 99. _______ food refers to crops that are gown without the use of artificial fertilizers or most pesticides and that are processed without ionizing radiation or food additives, and to meat that is raised without antibiotics or growth hormones. A. Homegrown B. Organic C. Non-additive D. Non-processed Answer: B 100. __________ theorists believe that much of what has been written about culture in the Western world is Eurocentric—based on the uncritical assumption that European culture is the true, universal culture in which all the world’s people ought to believe. A. Conflict B. Symbolic interactionist C. Functionalist D. Postmodernist Answer: D TRUE-FALSE SECTION 1. Culture is essential for our individual survival and our communication with other people. We must learn about culture through interaction, observation, and imitation in order to participate as members of the group. Answer: True 2. A reflex is an unlearned, biologically determined behavior pattern common to all members of a species that predictably occurs whenever certain environmental conditions exist. Answer: False Rejoinder: The correct term is an instinct; a reflex is an unlearned, biologically determined involuntary response to some physical stimuli. 3. Material culture consists of the physical or tangible creations that members of a society make, use, and share. Through technology, these raw materials are transformed into usable items (ranging from books and computers to guns and tanks). Answer: True 4. There is a growing movement in the U.S. to encourage people to prepare their food from scratch for a healthier lifestyle. This is called the slow food movement. Answer: True 5. Language, beliefs, values, rules of behavior, family patterns, and political systems are examples of material culture. Answer: False Rejoinder: These are components of nonmaterial culture; material culture consists of the physical or tangible creations that members of a society make, use, and share. 6. Anthropologist George Murdock compiled a list of cultural universals and divided them into four categories: appearance (bodily adornment and hairstyles), activities (sports and games), social institutions (family and religion), and customary practices (cooking and hospitality). Answer: True 7. Even though the specifics of individual cultures vary widely, all cultures have four common material cultural components: symbols, language, values, and norms. Answer: False Rejoinder: Symbols, language, values, and norms are nonmaterial cultural components. 8. Verbal (spoken) language and nonverbal (written or gestured) language help us describe reality. One of our most important human attributes is the ability to use language to share our experiences, feelings, and knowledge with others. Answer: True 9. The Durkheim-Whorf theory has suggested that language expresses our thoughts and perceptions but has little influence on our perception of reality. Answer: False Rejoinder: The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis has suggested that language not only expresses our thoughts and perceptions but also influences our perception of reality. 10. A language-based predisposition to think about women in sexual terms reinforces the notion that women are sexual objects. Women are often described by terms such as fox, broad, babe, or doll, which ascribe childlike or even pet like characteristics to them. Answer: True 11. From a functionalist perspective, language is a source of power and social control; language perpetuates inequalities between people and between groups because words are used to “keep people in their place.” Answer: False Rejoinder: This concept is actually a conflict perspective. Functionalists argue that language is an important means of cultural transmission. Through language, children learn about their cultural heritage and develop a sense of personal identity in relationship to their group. 12. Values do not dictate which behaviours are appropriate and which ones are not, but they provide us with the criteria by which we evaluate people, objects, and events. Answer: True 13. According to Williams, two of our core American values are equality and religiosity. Answer: False Rejoinder: Although equality is a core value discussed by Williams, religiosity is not. 14. Sociologists stress that a gap always exists between ideal culture and real culture in a society. Ideal culture refers to the values and standards of behavior that people actually follow; whereas, real culture refers to the values and standards of behavior that people in a society profess to hold. Answer: False Rejoinder: Just the opposite is true; real culture is the behavior that people actually follow and ideal culture is the behavior that people profess to hold. 15. Prescriptive norms state what behavior is appropriate or acceptable. For example, norms based on custom direct us to open a door for a person carrying a heavy load. Answer: True 16. Sanctions are informal norms or everyday customs that may be violated without serious consequences within a particular culture. Answer: False 17. Whereas folkways are more informal, mores are more strongly held. Answer: True Rejoinder: The correct term is folkways; sanctions are rewards for appropriate behavior (positive sanctions) or penalties for inappropriate behavior (negative sanctions). 18. Taboos are mores so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and even unmentionable. In the United States, incest, or sexual or marital relations between certain categories of kin, is regarded as a taboo. Answer: True 19. According to sociologist William Ogburn, cultural diffusion occurs when material cultural changes faster than nonmaterial culture, thus creating a gap between the two cultural components. Answer: False Rejoinder: The correct term is cultural lag; diffusion is the transmission of cultural items or social practices from one group or society to another through means such as exploration, military endeavors, the media, tourism, and immigration. 20. The United States is referred to as a heterogeneous society, meaning that it includes people who are dissimilar in regard to social characteristics such as religion, income, or race/ethnicity. Answer: True 21. The largest religious group in the U.S. is made up of Roman Catholics. Answer: False Rejoinder: Although Roman Catholics make up over 23% in terms of religious affiliation, Evangelical Protestants are the largest religious group (25.9%) 22. A counterculture is a category of people who share distinguishing attributes, beliefs, values, and/or norms that set them apart in some significant manner from the dominant culture. For example, the Old Order Amish are considered a counterculture in the United States. Answer: False Rejoinder: The correct term is subculture and the Old Order Amish are a subculture; a counterculture is a group that strongly rejects dominant societal values and norms and seeks alternative lifestyles. Examples include the flower children of the 1960s and members of the Ku Klux Klan. 23. Culture shock is the disorientation that people feel when they encounter cultures radically different from their own and believe they cannot depend on their own taken-for-granted assumptions about life. Answer: True 24. When observing people from other cultures, many of us use our own culture as the yardstick by which we judge their behavior. Sociologists refer to this approach as cultural relativism and it is based on the assumption that one’s own way of life is superior to all others. Answer: False Rejoinder: The correct term is ethnocentrism; cultural relativism is the belief that the behaviours and customs of any culture must be viewed and analysed by the culture’s own standards. 25. French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory views high culture as a device used by the dominant class to exclude the subordinate classes. According to Bourdieu, people must be trained to appreciate and understand high culture. Answer: True SHORT RESPONSE SECTION 1. Explain what culture is and describe how it can be both a stabilizing force and a source of conflict in societies. Answer: Culture is the knowledge, language, values, customs, and material objects that are passed from person to person and from one generation to the next in a human group or society. A society is a large social grouping that occupies the same geographic territory and is subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Society and culture are interdependent; neither could exist without the other. Culture can be an enormously stabilizing force for a society, and it can provide a sense of continuity. However, culture can also be a force that generates discord, conflict, and even violence. How people view culture is intricately related to their location in society with regard to their race/ethnicity, class, sex, and age. 2. Describe the importance of culture in determining how people think and act on a daily basis and explain why rules are essential to a society. Answer: Culture is essential for our individual survival and for our communication with other people. We rely on culture because we are not born with the information we need to survive. We do not know how to take care of ourselves, how to behave, how to dress, what to eat, which gods to worship, or how to make or spend money. We must learn about culture through interaction, observation, and imitation in order to participate as members of the group. Sharing a common culture with others simplifies day-to-day interactions. Just as culture is essential for individuals, it is also fundamental for the survival of societies. Some system of rulemaking and enforcing necessarily exists in all societies. At a basic level, we need rules in order to navigate our cars through traffic. At a more abstract level, we need laws to establish and protect our rights. In order to survive, societies need rules about civility and tolerance toward others. 3. In relation to the nature versus nurture issue, compare the following elements: instinct, reflex, and drive. Answer: Nature is our biological and genetic makeup and nurture is our social environment. An instinct is an unlearned, biologically determined behavior pattern common to all members of a species that predictably occurs whenever certain environmental conditions exist. Humans do not have instincts. A reflex is an unlearned, biologically determined involuntary response to some physical stimuli. Drives are unlearned, biologically determined impulses common to all members of a species that satisfy needs such as sleep, food, water, and sexual gratification. Reflexes and drives do not determine how people will behave in human societies. 4. Our cultural tool box is divided into two major parts. Differentiate between material culture and nonmaterial culture. Answer: Material culture consists of the physical or tangible creations that members of a society make, use, and share. Initially, items of material culture begin as raw materials or resources such as ore, trees, and oil. Through technology, these raw materials are transformed into usable items (ranging from books and computers to guns and tanks). Sociologists define technology as the knowledge, techniques, and tools that make it possible for people to transform resources into usable forms, and the knowledge and skills required to use them after they are developed. At the most basic level, material culture is important because it is our buffer against the environment. Nonmaterial culture consists of the abstract or intangible human creations of society that influence people’s behavior. Language, beliefs, values, rules of behavior, family patterns, and political systems are examples of nonmaterial culture. A central component of nonmaterial culture is beliefs—the mental acceptance or conviction that certain things are true or real. Beliefs may be based on tradition, faith, experience, scientific research, or some combination of these. 5. Describe the importance of language and explain the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. Answer: Language is a set of symbols that expresses ideas and enables people to think and communicate with one another. Verbal (spoken) language and nonverbal (written or gestured) language helps us describe reality. One of our most important human attributes is the ability to use language to share our experiences, feelings, and knowledge with others. Language can create visual images in our heads. Language also allows people to distinguish themselves from outsiders and to maintain group boundaries and solidarity. Anthropological linguists Edward Sapir and Benjamin Whorf have suggested that language not only expresses our thoughts and perceptions but also influences our perception of reality. According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, language shapes the view of reality of its speakers. If people are able to think only through language, then language must precede thought. For example, the Eskimo language has more than twenty words associated with snow, making it possible for people to make subtle distinctions regarding different types of snowfalls. 6. Define values and list the ten core values identified by sociologist Robin Williams. Answer: Values are collective ideas about what is right or wrong, good or bad, and desirable or undesirable in a particular culture. Values do not dictate which behaviors are appropriate and which ones are not, but they provide us with the criteria by which we evaluate people, objects, and events. Functionalists tend to believe that shared values are essential for societies and have conducted most of the research on core values. Sociologist Robin Williams has identified ten core values as being important to people in the United States: (1) Individualism, (2) Achievement and success, (3) Activity and work, (4) Science and technology, (5) Progress and material comfort, (6) Efficiency and practicality, (7) Equality, (8) Morality and humanitarianism, (9) Freedom and liberty, and (10) Racism and group superiority. 7. Contrast ideal culture and real culture and provide examples of each. Answer: Sociologists stress that a gap always exists between ideal culture and real culture in a society. Ideal culture refers to the values and standards of behavior that people in a society profess to hold. Real culture refers to the values and standards of behavior that people actually follow. For example, we may claim to be law-abiding (ideal cultural value) but smoke marijuana (real cultural behavior); or we may think of ourselves as “good citizens” (ideal cultural value) but we may regularly drive over the speed limit (real cultural behavior). Most of us are not completely honest about how well we adhere to societal values. The degree of discrepancy between ideal culture and real culture is relevant to sociologists investigating social change. Large discrepancies provide a foothold for demonstrating hypocrisy (pretending to be what one is not or to feel what one does not feel). These discrepancies are often a source of social problems; if the discrepancy is perceived, leaders of social movements may use it to point out people’s contradictory behavior. 8. State the definition of norms and distinguish between folkways, mores, and taboos. Answer: Norms are established rules of behavior or standards of conduct. Norms can be classified according to their relative social importance. Norms can also be considered to be highly essential to the stability of society. Folkways are informal norms or everyday customs that may be violated without serious consequences within a particular culture. They provide rules for conduct but are not considered essential to society’s survival. Folkways are culture specific; they are learned patterns of behavior that can vary markedly from one society to another. For example, in the United States, folkways include using underarm deodorant, brushing our teeth, and wearing appropriate clothing for a specific occasion. Mores are a particular culture’s strongly held norms with moral and ethical connotations that may not be violated without serious consequences. Taboos are mores so strong that their violation is considered to be extremely offensive and even unmentionable. The incest taboo, which prohibits sexual or marital relations between certain categories of kin, is an example of a nearly universal taboo. Folkways and mores provide structure and security in a society. They make everyday life more predictable and provide people with some guidelines for appearance and behavior 9. Explain why the rate of cultural change (cultural lag) is uneven and distinguish between discovery, invention, and diffusion as means of cultural change. Answer: All parts of culture do not change at the same pace. When a change occurs in the material culture of a society, nonmaterial culture must adapt to that change. Frequently, this rate of change is uneven, resulting in a gap between the two. Sociologist William Ogburn referred to this disparity as cultural lag – a gap between the technical development of a society and its moral and legal institutions. Discovery is the process of learning about something previously unknown or unrecognized. As more discoveries have occurred, people have been to reconfigure existing material and nonmaterial cultural items through invention. When diverse groups of people come into contact, they begin to adapt one another’s discoveries, inventions, and ideas for their own use. Diffusion is the transmission of cultural items or social practices from one group or society to another through such means as exploration, military endeavors, the media, tourism, and immigration. 10. Define cultural diversity and contrast homogeneous societies with heterogeneous societies. Answer: Cultural diversity refers to the wide range of cultural differences found between and within nations. Cultural diversity between countries may be the result of natural circumstances (such as climate and geography) or social circumstances (such as level of technology and composition of the population). Some nations (such as Sweden) are referred to as homogeneous societies, meaning that they include people who share a common culture and who are typically from similar social, religious, political, and economic backgrounds. By contrast, other nations (such as the United States) are referred to as heterogeneous societies, meaning that they include people who are dissimilar in regard to social characteristics such as religion, income, or race/ethnicity. 11. Describe subcultures and countercultures and provide examples of each. Answer: A subculture is a category of people who share distinguishing attributes, beliefs, values, and/or norms that set them apart in some significant manner from the dominant culture. Emerging from the functionalist tradition, this concept has been applied to distinctions ranging from ethnic, religious, regional, and age-based categories to those categories presumed to be “deviant” or marginalized from the larger society. Examples could include Native Americans, Muslims, Generation Xers, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Some subcultures actively oppose the larger society. A counterculture is a group that strongly rejects dominant societal values and norms and seeks alternative lifestyles. Examples of countercultures include the beatniks of the 1950s, the flower children of the 1960s, the drug enthusiasts of the 1970s, and members of nonmainstream religious sects, or cults. Some countercultures (such as the Ku Klux Klan, militias, neo-Nazi skinheads, and the Nation of Islam) engage in revolutionary political activities. 12. According to Daisy Kabagarama, there are a number of ways in which communication across cultures can be improved. Discuss. Answer: Kabagarama suggests five techniques: (1) Get Acquainted—show interest in others, be nonjudgmental and show empathy (2) Ask the right questions—start with general questions then move to more specific one; make the questions are clear and simple (3) Consider visual images—use compliments carefully; she indicates that it is often easy to misjudge based on physical appearance alone (4) Deal with stereotypes—be objective; help overcome any stereotypes or myths through a sincere self-examination (5) Establish trust and cooperation—give and accept criticism positively and be spontaneous in your interactions with others; however, keep in mind that rule regarding spontaneity differ across cultures. 13. State the definitions for culture shock, ethnocentrism, and cultural relativism, and explain the relationship between these three concepts. Answer: Culture shock is the disorientation that people feel when they encounter cultures radically different from their own and believe they can not depend on their own taken-for-granted assumptions about life. When observing people from other cultures, many of us use our own culture as the yardstick by which we judge their behavior. Sociologists refer to this approach as ethnocentrism—the practice of judging all other cultures by one’s own culture. It is based on the assumption that one’s own way of life is superior to all others. Ethnocentrism can be positive (most schoolchildren are taught that their own school and country are the best). Ethnocentrism can also be negative (such as derogatory stereotypes that ridicule recent immigrants). An alternative to ethnocentrism is cultural relativism—the belief that the behaviors and customs of any culture must be viewed and analyzed by the culture’s own standards. An example of cultural relativism could be trying to understand the Hindu taboo against killing cattle. 14. Distinguish between high culture and popular culture, and relate sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory. Answer: Some sociologists use the concepts of high culture and popular culture to distinguish among different cultural forms. High culture consists of classical music, opera, ballet, live theater, and other activities usually patronized by elite audiences, composed primarily of members of the upper-middle and upper classes, who have the time, money, and knowledge assumed to be necessary for its appreciation. In the United States, high culture is often viewed as being international in scope, arriving in this country through the process of diffusion. By contrast, much of U.S. popular culture is often thought of as “homegrown.” Popular culture consists of activities, products, and services that are assumed to appeal primarily to members of the middle and working classes. These include rock concerts, spectator sports, movies, and television soap operas and situation comedies. Most sociological examinations of high culture and popular culture focus primarily on the link between culture and social class. Sociologist Pierre Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory views high culture as a device used by the dominant class to exclude the subordinate class. People must be trained to understand high culture. 15. Identify and compare the forms that popular culture takes. Answer: A fad is a temporary but widely copied activity followed enthusiastically by large numbers of people. Most fads are short-lived novelties. According to sociologist John Lofland, fads can be divided into four major categories. (1) object fads are items that people purchase despite the fact that they have little use or intrinsic value such as Harry Potter wands or SpongeBob SquarePants trading cards; (2) activity fads include pursuits such as body piercing and “surfing” the Internet, and diet fads; (3) idea fads such as New Age ideologies; and (4) personality fads, such as those surrounding celebrities like Paris Hilton and Tiger Woods. A fashion is a currently valued style of behavior, thinking, or appearance that is longer lasting and more widespread than a fad. Examples of fashion are found in many areas including child rearing, education, arts, clothing, music, and sports. ESSAY SECTION 1. Discuss why culture is so significant to our personal identities. Answer: Culture is profoundly significant to our personal identities for several reasons: • Shared Practices and Beliefs: Culture encompasses the shared practices, beliefs, values, and norms that shape how we see the world and interact with others. It provides a framework for understanding our place in society and our relationships with others. • Sense of Belonging: Cultural membership offers a sense of belonging and community. Identifying with a particular culture connects us to others who share similar experiences, languages, traditions, and histories. • Guiding Behavior: Cultural norms and values guide our behavior and decision-making processes, influencing everything from our daily routines to our long-term goals. • Shaping Worldviews: Culture influences our worldviews and perceptions, including how we interpret events, understand our roles, and relate to others. • Transmitting Identity: Culture is transmitted from generation to generation, shaping our identity through family traditions, education, religious practices, and community involvement. • Influence on Self-Concept: Our self-concept is significantly shaped by the cultural context in which we are raised. This context affects our sense of self-esteem, identity, and the roles we perceive ourselves playing in society. 2. Explain the primary ways that language influences culture. Answer: Language influences culture in several primary ways: • Communication of Ideas: Language is the primary medium through which cultural knowledge, values, and beliefs are communicated and preserved. It allows individuals to share ideas, stories, traditions, and customs, thereby sustaining cultural continuity. • Shaping Thought: According to the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, language shapes our thought processes and perceptions of reality. The structure and vocabulary of a language can influence how speakers perceive and categorize the world around them. • Social Integration: Language fosters social integration by enabling individuals to participate in cultural rituals, social interactions, and communal activities. It helps build social bonds and a sense of community. • Transmitting Knowledge: Language is crucial for education and the transmission of knowledge across generations. It allows for the dissemination of cultural heritage, historical narratives, and collective wisdom. • Identity Formation: Language is a key component of personal and group identity. It can signify belonging to a particular cultural or ethnic group and distinguish one group from another. • Influencing Social Norms: Language conveys social norms and values, influencing behavior and societal expectations. It can reinforce cultural norms through proverbs, sayings, and everyday communication. 3. Discuss the four major components of culture. Answer: The four major components of culture are: 1. Symbols: • Description: Symbols are objects, gestures, sounds, or images that carry particular meanings recognized by members of a culture. They are used to communicate complex ideas and concepts. • Examples: Flags, religious icons, traffic signs, and corporate logos. 2. Language: • Description: Language is a system of symbols, including spoken, written, and signed forms, used for communication. It is essential for transmitting cultural knowledge and facilitating social interaction. • Examples: English, Mandarin, sign language, and written scripts. 3. Values: • Description: Values are deeply held beliefs about what is good, desirable, and proper. They guide behavior and decision-making within a culture, reflecting its priorities and ethics. • Examples: Freedom, equality, respect, and hard work. 4. Norms: • Description: Norms are rules and expectations that guide behavior within a society. They can be formal (laws) or informal (customs) and dictate acceptable conduct. • Examples: Dress codes, manners, legal regulations, and social etiquette. 4. Describe how language may create and reinforce our perceptions about sex and gender by transmitting preconceived ideas about the superiority one category of people over another. Answer: Language can create and reinforce perceptions about sex and gender by transmitting preconceived ideas and societal norms, often perpetuating stereotypes and power imbalances: • Gendered Language: Many languages have gendered nouns, pronouns, and adjectives, which can reinforce binary gender distinctions and the notion that gender differences are natural and significant. • Stereotypes and Roles: Language often includes terms and phrases that perpetuate traditional gender roles and stereotypes, such as "breadwinner" for men and "homemaker" for women. These linguistic patterns reinforce expectations about appropriate behavior for each gender. • Bias and Discrimination: Language can reflect and perpetuate biases, such as using masculine terms as the default (e.g., "mankind" for humanity) or diminishing female achievements by referring to women in terms of their appearance or marital status (e.g., "female scientist" instead of "scientist"). • Power Dynamics: The use of derogatory or demeaning language towards a particular gender can reinforce power imbalances. For example, terms that trivialize or infantilize women (e.g., "honey," "sweetie") can perpetuate a sense of male superiority and female subordination. • Cultural Narratives: Language shapes cultural narratives that influence perceptions of gender. For instance, stories and media often depict men as strong and decisive and women as nurturing and emotional, reinforcing societal expectations and norms. • Representation: The underrepresentation or misrepresentation of certain genders in language (e.g., fewer female protagonists in literature or media) can contribute to the perception of their lesser importance or capability. By understanding these influences, efforts can be made to use more inclusive and equitable language, challenging stereotypes and promoting gender equality. 5. Discuss how language may create and reinforce our perceptions about race and ethnicity by transmitting preconceived ideas about the superiority of one category of people over another. Answer: Language plays a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing perceptions about race and ethnicity, often transmitting preconceived ideas that can promote the superiority of one group over another: • Racial and Ethnic Labels: The terms used to describe racial and ethnic groups can carry implicit biases. For example, referring to a group as "minority" may imply inferiority or lesser importance compared to the "majority." • Stereotyping: Language can perpetuate stereotypes by associating certain traits or behaviors with specific racial or ethnic groups. Phrases like "model minority" for Asian Americans or "criminal" for African Americans reinforce harmful generalizations. • Historical Context: Historical language that includes derogatory terms or slurs continues to affect contemporary attitudes. Words with racist origins can perpetuate a sense of hierarchy and exclusion. • Media Representation: The portrayal of racial and ethnic groups in media and literature can reinforce stereotypes and biases. Descriptions that emphasize negative characteristics or criminal behavior of certain groups contribute to prejudiced perceptions. • Discriminatory Language: Language that includes implicit or explicit bias, such as "illegal immigrant" versus "undocumented immigrant," shapes perceptions about legality and legitimacy, often marginalizing certain ethnic groups. • Power Dynamics: Dominant groups often control language and its use, which can perpetuate the superiority of one group over another. Terms like "civilized" versus "primitive" historically reinforced colonialist ideologies and the subjugation of other cultures. By recognizing and addressing these linguistic patterns, society can work towards more inclusive and equitable communication that respects and values all racial and ethnic groups. 6. Discuss the ten American core values identified by sociologist Robin Williams. Answer: Sociologist Robin Williams identified ten core values that characterize American society: 1. Achievement and Success: • Description: Emphasis on personal achievement and success, often measured by wealth, power, and status. • Impact: Encourages competition and the pursuit of individual goals. 2. Individualism: • Description: Value placed on individual rights and responsibilities, autonomy, and self-reliance. • Impact: Promotes personal freedom and independence. 3. Activity and Work: • Description: Importance of being industrious and hardworking, valuing action and productivity. • Impact: Drives a strong work ethic and the pursuit of progress. 4. Efficiency and Practicality: • Description: Preference for efficiency, practicality, and usefulness in problem-solving and decision-making. • Impact: Encourages innovation and pragmatic approaches to challenges. 5. Science and Technology: • Description: Faith in scientific and technological advancement as a means to improve life. • Impact: Fuels investment in education, research, and development. 6. Progress and Change: • Description: Belief in progress and the idea that the future will be better than the present. • Impact: Motivates societal and technological advancements. 7. Material Comfort: • Description: High value placed on material well-being and physical comfort. • Impact: Promotes consumerism and the pursuit of a higher standard of living. 8. Equality: • Description: Ideal that everyone should have equal opportunities and rights. • Impact: Drives movements for civil rights and social justice. 9. Freedom: • Description: Cherishing personal freedom and political liberties. • Impact: Supports democratic governance and individual autonomy. 10. Democracy: • Description: Commitment to democratic principles such as majority rule and the protection of minority rights. • Impact: Promotes political participation and the rule of law. These core values shape American culture and influence societal behaviors, policies, and institutions. 7. Identify and compare the various types of norms. Answer: Norms are rules and expectations that guide behavior within a society. They can be classified into several types: 1. Folkways: • Description: Informal norms that govern everyday behavior and customs. Violations are not severely punished. • Examples: Dress codes, table manners, and polite greetings. • Impact: Ensure smooth social interactions and predictability in behavior. 2. Mores: • Description: Strongly held norms with moral significance. Violations are considered serious and can result in severe punishment. • Examples: Laws against theft, murder, and adultery. • Impact: Maintain social order and moral standards. 3. Taboos: • Description: Norms that are so deeply ingrained that even thinking about violating them is repugnant. • Examples: Incest, cannibalism. • Impact: Protect the fundamental values and safety of a society. 4. Laws: • Description: Formal norms that are written and enforced by official authorities. Violations are punishable by the legal system. • Examples: Traffic regulations, criminal laws, and contracts. • Impact: Provide clear guidelines for acceptable behavior and ensure justice and social order. Comparing these norms, folkways are the least formal and are often cultural preferences, while mores and taboos carry significant moral weight and are critical to the ethical fabric of society. Laws are the most formal norms, institutionalized to maintain order and protect rights. 8. Summarize how societies continually experience cultural change at both material and nonmaterial levels. Answer: Societies experience cultural change through the transformation of both material and nonmaterial aspects: Material Culture: • Description: Tangible objects and physical items created by a society, such as technology, buildings, and artifacts. • Change Drivers: Technological innovations, economic shifts, and environmental changes. • Examples: Introduction of smartphones, renewable energy technologies, and urban development. Nonmaterial Culture: • Description: Intangible elements of culture, including beliefs, values, norms, and symbols. • Change Drivers: Social movements, globalization, education, and communication. • Examples: Shifts in social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, changes in gender roles, and evolving political ideologies. Cultural change is facilitated by factors such as: • Innovation: New ideas and technologies alter how people live and interact. • Diffusion: The spread of cultural elements from one society to another through trade, migration, and media. • Globalization: Increased interconnectedness leading to the exchange and blending of cultures. • Social Movements: Collective actions that push for societal change and reform. As societies adapt to new realities and influences, both material and nonmaterial culture evolve, reflecting ongoing transformations in human experience and social organization. 9. Discuss how cultural diversity influences society and individuals. Answer: Cultural diversity has significant impacts on both society and individuals: Societal Influence: • Enrichment: Diverse cultures contribute to the richness of society, offering a variety of perspectives, traditions, and innovations. • Economic Growth: Cultural diversity can stimulate creativity and innovation, leading to economic benefits and competitive advantages. • Social Cohesion: While it can pose challenges, effectively managed diversity fosters social cohesion and mutual respect among different groups. • Policy Development: Diverse societies require inclusive policies that address the needs and rights of various cultural groups, promoting social justice and equality. Individual Influence: • Broadening Perspectives: Exposure to different cultures broadens individuals' worldviews, fostering open-mindedness and tolerance. • Identity Formation: Cultural diversity influences personal identity, allowing individuals to draw from multiple cultural backgrounds and experiences. • Skill Development: Interacting with diverse cultures enhances intercultural communication skills and adaptability. • Empathy and Understanding: Understanding different cultural contexts promotes empathy and reduces prejudice and discrimination. Cultural diversity enriches societies by providing a mosaic of ideas, practices, and values, while challenging individuals to embrace inclusivity and empathy in their interactions. 10. Discuss how cultural assumptions are challenged by an encounter with culture shock. Answer: Culture shock occurs when individuals experience disorientation and discomfort upon encountering a culture vastly different from their own. This phenomenon challenges cultural assumptions in several ways: • Questioning Norms: Encountering different cultural practices and norms forces individuals to question their own cultural assumptions and behaviors. • Broadening Understanding: Culture shock can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, fostering a more inclusive worldview. • Challenging Stereotypes: Direct experience with another culture can debunk stereotypes and prejudices, revealing the complexity and humanity of the people within that culture. • Adapting Behavior: To navigate a new cultural environment, individuals must adapt their behavior and communication styles, leading to greater flexibility and cultural competence. • Reflection on Identity: Culture shock often prompts reflection on one's cultural identity and values, highlighting the arbitrary nature of many cultural norms. Through the discomfort and adaptation process, individuals gain valuable insights into their own cultural assumptions and develop a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of other cultures. Test Bank for Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials Diana Kendall 9781337109659, 9781111305505, 9781305094154