Section 2.1: What is Culture? [Learning Resources]

Fundamentals of Sociology - Adam McKee and Scott Bransford

Section Overview

This section delves into the importance of understanding cultural differences in our globally interconnected world. It introduces cultural universals, traits common to all societies, and explores concepts of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism, urging a respectful and open-minded approach towards diverse cultures. The section further breaks down culture into material and nonmaterial aspects, emphasizing their intertwined nature and symbolic significance. The phenomenon of cultural shock and the idea of xenocentrism are examined, highlighting the need for a critical perspective when studying other cultures to avoid both ethnocentrism and xenocentrism. The section underscores the importance of acknowledging cultural diversity and understanding the complexities of different societies.

Section Level Student Learning Outcomes

SLO 1: Understanding Cultural Universals: Students will learn to identify cultural universals and their prevalence across all societies.

SLO 2: Distinguishing Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism: Students will be able to distinguish between ethnocentrism and cultural relativism and recognize the importance of open-mindedness and respect towards cultural diversity.

SLO 3: Comprehending Material and Nonmaterial Culture: Students will understand the distinction between material and nonmaterial culture, and the symbolic significance of physical objects in a society.

SLO 4: Recognizing Cultural Shock: Students will comprehend the phenomenon of cultural shock and its potential impact on individuals in new cultural environments.

SLO 5: Avoiding Ethnocentrism and Xenocentrism: Students will understand the importance of avoiding both ethnocentrism and xenocentrism when studying different cultures, emphasizing the need for a critical perspective.

Modification History

File Created:  05/07/2023

Last Modified:  06/26/2023

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This work is licensed under an Open Educational Resource-Quality Master Source (OER-QMS) License.

Open Education Resource--Quality Master Source License

 

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