SOCIOL 1101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Cultural Lag, Xenocentrism, Subculture
5 Apr 2017
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Objects/items = material specific things (blue jeans) Symbols = objects full of cultural meaning (flags, religious symbols, school symbols, sports team logos) Such elements of culture are crucial to our development and sense of belonging as social actors, and offers us predictability and sense of normalcy. Societies need a significant degree of conformity to function smoothly. Members learn norms through the process of socialization. Because people accept the norms and values of their societies as natural, they largely conform. Those who do not conform are subject to sanction. It is imparted, and reified (made more concrete) constantly, in our simple daily interactions but also by the institutions that surround us. Diffusion can occur through a variety of means. If it"s balanced (like a melting pot), then perhaps it is good and functional for the world system. If it"s unbalanced (unidirectional), there will be some capacity for backlash. Culture varies both across and within societies.
