![]() In this chapter, we examine the relationship between culture and society in greater detail and pay special attention to the elements and forces that shape culture, including diversity and cultural changes. Neither society nor culture could exist without the other. To clarify, a culture represents the beliefs and practices of a group, while society represents the people who share those beliefs and practices. By “community,” social scientists refer to a definable region-as small as a neighborhood (Brooklyn, or “the east side of town”), as large as a country (Ethiopia, the United States, or Nepal), or somewhere in between (in the United States, this might include someone who identifies with Southern or Midwestern society). A society describes a group of people who share a community and a culture. In everyday conversation, people rarely distinguish between the terms culture and society, but the terms have slightly different meanings, and the distinction is important to a geographer. These rules are created and enforced by people who interact and share culture. Sociologically, we examine in what situation and context certain behavior is expected, and in which situations perhaps it is not. These examples are all aspects of culture, which is shared beliefs, values, and practices, that participants must learn. Or if you are having coffee with a good friend, perhaps that question warrants a more detailed response. ![]() Perhaps in a different culture the question would be more literal, and it may require a response. You would more than likely violate rules of culture and specifically greeting. ![]() Consider what would happen if you stopped and informed everyone who said, “Hi, how are you?” exactly how you were doing that day, and in detail. These rules and expectations have meaning, and there are ways in which you may violate this negotiation. However, we all adhere to various rules and standards that are created and maintained in culture. In fact, doing so may be viewed with scorn or distaste, since as people in the United States we have fairly rigid rules about personal space. Rarely do we physically embrace or even touch the individual. We may simply say, “Hello!” and ask, “How was your weekend?” or some other trivial question meant to be a friendly greeting. What are the rules when you pass an acquaintance at school, work, in the grocery store, or in the mall? Generally, we do not consider all of the intricacies of the rules of behavior.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |