Understanding Cultural Sociology: Key Concepts Assessment

Culture refers to the social environment, while the other options relate to geography, climate, and language respectively.

Cultural universals refer to common practices shared by all societies, providing stability, order, and identity.

Material culture refers to physical items that are created and used by people in a culture, providing insight into their way of life and values.

Nonmaterial culture refers to the intangible aspects of a culture, such as beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that are passed down through generations.

Language is not solely about personal expression or transmission of knowledge, but rather an abstract system used for communication and cultural encoding and decoding.

The term 'mother tongue' refers to the first language learned at home in childhood that is still understood by an individual, regardless of the mother's actual role in teaching the language.

The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis posits that language shapes and names reality, influencing perceptions. It is different from the linguistic turn, social constructionism, and hyperreality concepts.

Folkways are informal norms that are based in accepted tradition, different from formal laws, scientific principles, and religious beliefs.

Mores are essential norms, typically laws, that are crucial to maintaining social control in a society.

Taboos are practices that are considered unacceptable in a particular society or culture, regardless of legal ramifications or universal acceptance.

Prescriptive norms are rules that prescribe certain behaviors that are expected from individuals, rather than just suggesting improvements or providing optional guidelines.

Proscriptive norms are rules that dictate what we should not do, as opposed to prescriptive norms which dictate what we should do.

Emblems are specific gestures that have direct verbal equivalents, helping to convey meaning through a combination of words and actions.

Social facts refer to observable social phenomena that are external to individuals and have the power to shape or influence their behavior. They are distinct from personal opinions or beliefs, abstract concepts, biological characteristics, and cultural norms.

Ideal culture refers to the cultural values that most people in a society identify with, representing the norms and beliefs that are widely accepted and practiced.

Real culture refers to the practices that are commonly followed by the majority of people in a society, representing the mainstream cultural expressions and traditions. It is distinct from cultural appropriation, individual preferences, globalized trends, and niche community practices.

Cultural relativism is the perspective that suggests understanding customs and ideas within the context of a society, rather than making judgements based on one's own cultural beliefs.

Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one's own culture as superior and to use it as the standard by which other cultures are judged. It involves a lack of acceptance or understanding of cultural differences.

A subculture is a group within a society that has its own shared values, norms, and behaviors that differentiate it from the larger culture. It may have distinct language, fashion, music preferences, or other traits that set it apart.

Counterculture refers to a subculture that goes against the norms and values of mainstream culture, often promoting alternative lifestyles, beliefs, or ideologies.

A symbol is not just limited to letters of the alphabet, mathematical operations, or musical instruments. It is a broader concept used to convey abstract ideas or represent something beyond its literal meaning.

High culture is usually characterized by activities that are favored and practiced by the upper class or social elite, such as opera, ballet, fine art, and classical music.

Status symbols are typically objects or possessions that are visible and represent a person's social standing or economic success in society.

Popular culture refers to everyday practices and products that are widely liked and consumed by the general public, rather than being exclusive or specialized.

Ideology refers to a set of ideas or beliefs that aim to explain and support the interests and views of a particular group. It is not related to the scientific study of the human mind and behavior, a specific type of governmental rule, or an economic system based on free market principles.

Social structure refers to the framework of cultural elements and social patterns that shape social interactions, not just individual perception, behavior, or physical layout.

A status refers to a recognized social position that exists beyond individual occupants, such as roles like brother, sister, or professor.

A role refers to the behavioural component of a given status, encompassing the actions, duties, and expectations associated with that particular position.

The status set refers to all the statuses a person holds at a specific point in time, which can include social, economic, or professional statuses.

An ascribed status is one that is given to an individual at birth and is not based on personal achievements or characteristics.