GEO-1400 Lecture 6: "Folk & Pop Culture" (Feb13-17)
Document Summary
Material culture falls into 2 basic categories that differ according to scale. Folk culture is traditionally practiced primarily by small, homogenous groups living in relative isolation from other groups. Popular culture is found in large, heterogeneous societies that share certain customs (such as wearing jeans) despite differences in other personal characteristics. Culture can be distinguished from a habit or a custom. A habit is a repetitive act that a particular individual performs, such as wearing a sweater to class every day. A custom is repetitive act of a group, performed to the extent that it becomes characteristic of the group, such as men wearing a suit and tie at business meetings. 2 types of social customs are emphasized. All people must consume food, wear clothing, and find shelter, but different cultural groups do so in distinctive ways. Each cultural group has its own definition of meaningful art and stimulating recreation. Culture originates at a hearth, a center of innovation.
