Sociology Chaoter 3 Discussion

Culture: Totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and behavior. It includes the ides, values, and artifacts of groups of people.

The elements of culture an why they are important: Language, norms, sanctions, and values are the elements of culture. Language is one of the major elements. Language underlines the cultural variations. Language is the foundation of every culture that is used for day to day exchanges. Seven thousand languages are spoken today, that’s way more than the number of countries. Language is fundamental to any culture no matter how big or small the population. Norms are the standards of behavior maintained by society. Norms are distinguished between formal norms when normally have to be written down and specify the punishments. Informal norms are understood but not recorded on paper. Norms are also classified by mores and folkways. Mores are norms that are deemed highly necessary to the welfare, bc they embody the cherished principals of people. Folkways are norms governing everyday behavior. They play an important role in shaping the daily behavior of culture and their people. Sanctions are rewards or punishments for conduct concerning a social norm. Positive sanctions such as pay raise or a medal can be given for conformity of a norm. Negative sanctions include a fine or threats. Values are collective conceptions of what is considered good, bad, desirable, undesirable, proper, and improper. Values indicate what certain cultures find important and are preferred. Values influence people’s opinions and behavior for evaluating other behaviors and actions.

Values- Collective conceptions of what is considered good, bad, desirable, undesirable, proper, and improper.

Mores- Norms deemed highly necessary to the welfare of a society, often because they embody the most cherished principals of people.

Folkways- Norms that govern everyday behavior. They play an important role in shaping daily behavior of...