Question 1

List and discuss the three primary forms of language presented in the text.

Accepted Answer

In the text, three primary forms of language are presented: spoken language, written language, and nonverbal language.

Spoken language is the most common form of communication and is used in everyday conversations, presentations, and speeches. It involves the use of words, tone, and inflection to convey meaning and emotion.

Written language, on the other hand, is used in written communication such as books, articles, emails, and text messages. It allows for more precise and permanent communication, as the words are recorded and can be referenced at a later time.

Nonverbal language includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and even the use of space and time. This form of communication can convey a lot of information without the use of words and is often used to supplement spoken and written language.

Each form of language has its own strengths and weaknesses, and they are often used in combination to effectively convey meaning and emotion. In the text, these forms of language are used to illustrate the complexity and richness of human communication.

Question 2

List and discuss the three types of norms discussed in the book and provide an example of each.

Accepted Answer

In the book, three types of norms are discussed: folkways, mores, and laws.

Folkways are informal norms that govern everyday behavior and are based on tradition and custom. These norms are not considered to be morally significant and are often followed out of habit or convenience. An example of a folkway is the norm of shaking hands when greeting someone.

Mores are more serious and have a moral significance. They are based on the principles of right and wrong and are often enforced through social sanctions. An example of a more is the norm against cheating or lying.

Laws are formal norms that are codified and enforced by a governing authority. They are backed by the threat of punishment for those who violate them. An example of a law is the prohibition against driving under the influence of alcohol.

These three types of norms play a crucial role in shaping and regulating social behavior in a society. They help to maintain order and stability by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior and consequences for deviating from those guidelines.

Question 3

What are two examples of discrepancies between real and ideal culture in American culture (either values or behaviors)? Write a one-sentence explanation for why you personally feel each exists.

Accepted Answer

One example of a discrepancy between real and ideal culture in American culture is the value of equality and the existence of systemic racism and discrimination, which goes against the ideal of equal treatment for all individuals. This exists due to historical and systemic inequalities that have been ingrained in American society.

Another example is the ideal of work-life balance and the reality of a culture that often prioritizes work over personal well-being, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. This exists due to societal pressures and expectations for individuals to constantly strive for success and productivity.

Question 4

Homes are one example of material culture. Provide one more example. Explain how your example affects your daily behavior.

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Question 5

Compare and contrast subcultures and countercultures. Provide an example of each.

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Question 6

Name a common cultural practice in the United States. How might someone from another culture respond to that practice in a culturally relative manner? How might they respond in an ethnocentric manner?

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Question 7

How are the four forms of nonmaterial culture used to reinforce the culture of a society? Describe each of the forms while also detailing how they are used to maintain unity and order within a culture.

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Question 8

How might we understand culture differently if we study it as a symbolic interactionist, a structural functionalist, or a conflict theorist? In your discussion of this question, pay attention to the main assumptions of the three theories and how they translate into the study of culture. What beneficial knowledge can we gain by studying culture through each of these three lenses?

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Question 9

What is cultural lag? Provide examples. What are some consequences of cultural lag for societies?

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Question 10

As the United States moves toward a more global economy, how will this affect the ethnocentrism of U.S. citizens? Do you think it will increase, decrease, or stay the same? Provide three reasons or examples to support your argument.

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Question 11

Globalization is a widespread cultural phenomenon in many nations. Describe globalization, paying specific attention to how it emerged. Also, illustrate how globalization contributes to the creation of a global culture. Finally, offer one argument in favor of globalization and one argument against globalization that relate specifically to how globalization affects national cultures.

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Question 12

Compare and contrast mechanical and organic solidarity.

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Question 13

Compare and contrast national and global culture. Provide examples.

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Question 14

Compare and contrast horticultural and agricultural societies. Provide an example of each.

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Question 15

The text details how societies transform and highlights the five types of societies that have existed during human existence. Describe each of these five societies in detail, paying specific attention to the primary characteristics of each type of society. In your essay, also highlight the cultural changes that occur to move societies from one type to the next.

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Quiz 3: Society and Culture: Hardware and Software of Our Social World