Transcript Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Sociology
Kathy Edwards
Lecture Two
Symbols
• Objects which represent more than
themselves.
• Symbols are ideas transformed into objects,
with meaning.
• The power of a symbol is the shared
meaning.
Symbols
• Objects, rituals, gestures, language
• The cross, the peace symbol, the flag, the
engagement ring
Language
• Language is the most common symbol of
humans.
• Language is how we express our culture.
• Language is created from our group life.
• Language represents our reality.
Language
• Language is how we label and describe the
world.
• Share understanding an affirm our
existence, consciousness, and expression.
• Language changes relations and creates new
relations.
Definitions/Terms
• Culture shock: experience of contact with a
culture that is opposite from one’s own
culture. The unfamiliarity creates anxiety
or disbelief.
• Cultural relativism: understanding that each
culture on it’s own terms. Not judging
another culture, but seeking to understand.
Definitions/Terms
• Subculture: small culture within the
dominant culture. A microcosm of the
larger society, may distinguish itself, but
maintains the values of dominant culture.
• Examples are: 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, pool hustlers, skateboarders, boaters
Definitions/Terms
• Counterculture: a particular type of
subculture whose values of the group are in
opposition to society and it’s values.
Countercultures are conflicting with the
dominant culture: Satanists, gangs: usually
a homogeneous group
Definitions/Terms
• Ethnocentric: when you use your culture to
judge other individuals or societies, when
you see your society as superior to other
societies and cultures.
• Xenocentricism: When you view other
cultures superior to your own culture
Our culture
• Often we are programmed by our culture
and conditioned…..
Sociologists look at the
similarities and differences
between people and cultures…
• We examine both material and non material
cultural artifacts of the culture.
• We study the historical data, as well as the
people.
Education, Income, Race,
Ethnicity, Age, Common
Interests, Occupation
• We develop social categories in order to
study populations.
Attitudes are also part of our
culture: emotions, feelings,
evaluations.
• Attitudes are part of non-material culture.