Intro To Sociology--Chapter 3 Culture

Societies are dynamic and constantly evolving. As time progresses, societal values can undergo significant changes due to various factors such as cultural shifts, technological advancements, social movements, and generational differences. These changes can lead to shifts in beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors within a society. Therefore, it is true that values can change in a society over time.

Most sociologists believe that both nature and nurture play a role in our development of behaviors, beliefs, and cultures. This means that our genetic makeup (nature) and our environment and experiences (nurture) both contribute to shaping who we are and how we behave. This belief is supported by various studies and research in the field of sociology, which have shown that both biological factors and social factors influence human development. Therefore, the statement is true.

The statement "All cultures have the same values and norms" is false. Different cultures have different values, norms, and beliefs that are shaped by their unique histories, traditions, and social structures. Cultural diversity is a fundamental aspect of human society, and it enriches our understanding of the world.

If you moved suddenly to China tomorrow, you would most likely experience culture shock. This is because culture shock refers to the feeling of disorientation and discomfort that people often experience when they are exposed to a new and different culture. Moving to China would expose you to a completely different language, customs, traditions, and ways of life, which can be overwhelming and cause a sense of culture shock.

Ethnocentrism refers to the belief that one's own culture or society is superior to others. It involves judging other cultures based on the standards and values of one's own culture. In this case, the correct answer is "believing that the culture you live in is slightly superior to that of others." This choice reflects the concept of ethnocentrism as it indicates a belief in the superiority of one's own culture, albeit to a slight degree.

Marrying a brother or sister is considered a taboo in most cultures due to the biological and social implications. It is generally seen as incestuous and goes against the norms of society. Incest is often prohibited as it can lead to genetic disorders and potential harm to offspring. Additionally, it challenges the idea of familial relationships and can disrupt the social order. Therefore, marrying a sibling is widely considered as a taboo in our culture.

Cultures can instill a "willingness to conform" by implementing social control measures, such as discipline for breaking the rules. This means that individuals who deviate from the established norms and regulations will face consequences, which acts as a deterrent and encourages conformity. By enforcing discipline, cultures maintain order and continuity, as individuals are more likely to adhere to the accepted behaviors and values of the society.

Ann Swidler defined culture as not just something that people live within, but as something that people actively use to shape their behavior and decision-making. This definition emphasizes the agency and active engagement of individuals in their cultural practices, rather than viewing culture as a passive backdrop. It suggests that culture is not solely determined by genetic backgrounds or universal components, but is shaped and influenced by individual choices and actions.

Cultural universals are traits or patterns that exist in all known human cultures. They are common features that are found across different societies. Marriage, the prohibition against incest, and language are examples of cultural universals because they are present in almost every culture around the world. However, cigarette use is not considered a cultural universal as it is not a common practice in all cultures. It varies significantly across different societies and is influenced by factors such as social norms, health awareness, and government regulations.

The term "assimilation" refers to the process in which different cultures blend together to form a new, unified culture. The comparison of American society to a salad bowl suggests that it is composed of diverse cultural elements that coexist while maintaining their distinct identities. This aligns with the concept of assimilation, as it implies the integration and blending of various cultural backgrounds within American society.