Transcript Sociology and You - Freeman Public Schools

Chapter Preview · Section 1
The Basis of Culture (pages 72–76)
Culture defines how people in a
society behave in relation to others
and to physical objects. Although most
behavior among animals is instinctual,
human behavior is learned. Even
reflexes and drives do not completely
determine how humans will behave,
because people are heavily influenced
by culture.
How much are you are influenced by
the culture that surrounds you?
A. Very influenced
B. Somewhat influenced
C. Not very influenced
D. Not sure
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Culture and Society
• The culture you live in refers to the
knowledge, language, values, customs and
physical objects that are passed from
generation to generation among members of
a group.
• Material aspects of our culture include
skyscrapers, computers, cell phones and cars.
Culture and Society (cont.)
• Nonmaterial aspects include beliefs, rules,
customs, family systems and a capitalist
economy.
• Culture and society are interwoven, but
they are not identical.
Culture and Society (cont.)
• A society is a group of people who live in
a defined territory and participate in a
common culture.
• Culture is that society’s total way of life.
From the following list, what is the
example that best represents your
culture?
A. Literature
B. Music
C. Government
D. Values
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Culture and Heredity
• Instincts are genetically inherited patterns
of behavior. Humans, unlike animals,
cannot rely on instinct alone for survival,
so we rely on our culture.
• However, culture is not the only influence
on our behavior.
• If humans were controlled by instincts
alone, we would all behave the same way.
Culture and Heredity (cont.)
• Other factors include:
– Heredity—genetically inherited traits
–Nature v. Nurture Video
– Reflexes—simple, biologically inherited
automatic reactions to physical stimuli.
– Drives—impulses to reduce discomfort
• These expressions of such biological
factors can vary depending on the culture.
The desire to eat and drink is an
example of which biological factor?
A. Heredity
B. Reflex
C. Drive
D. Culture
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
Sociobiology
• Sociobiology is the study of the biological
basis of human behavior.
• Darwin’s theory of natural selection + modern
genetics = Sociobiology
• Sociologists believe that behaviors that best
help people and animals are biologically
based and transmitted in the genetic code.
• Video on Sociobiology
Sociobiology (cont.)
• Some criticisms of sociobiology:
– Certain races could be labeled as
inferior or superior.
– There is too much variation in societies
for human behavior to be based on
biology alone.
Sociobiology (cont.)
• Middle ground:
– Some sociologists believe that genes
work with culture in a complex way to
shape and limit human nature and social
life.
The following are behaviors that help
us further develop as the human race
EXCEPT
A. Parental affection
B. Education
C. Shopping
D. Sexual reproduction
0%
A
A.
B.
C.
0%
D.
B
A
B
C
0%
D
C
0%
D
• culture
• society
• instincts
• reflex
• drive
• sociobiology
culture
knowledge, values, customs, and physical
objects that are shared by members of a
society
society
a specific territory inhabited by people who
share a common culture
instincts
innate (unlearned) patterns of behavior
reflex
automatic reaction to physical stimulus
drive
impulse to reduce discomfort
sociobiology
the study of the biological basis of human
behavior
To use this Presentation Plus! product:
Click the Forward button to go to the next slide.
Click the Previous button to return to the previous slide.
Click the Home button to return to the Chapter Menu.
Click the Transparency button to access the transparencies that are
relevant to this chapter.
Click the Return button in a feature to return to the main presentation.
Click the Sociology Online button to access online textbook features.
Click the Exit button or press the Escape key [Esc] to end the
chapter slide show.
Click the Help button to access this screen.
Links to Presentation Plus! features such as the Figures, Time Lines,
Snapshot of America, World View and others are located at the
bottom of relevant screens.