1. Ann Gibbons 2011/2012
Culture is a ‘design for
living’ (Clyde Kluckhohn)
Culture
‘The culture of a society is the way of life of its members; the collection of
ideas and habits which they learn, share and transmit from generation to
generation.’ (Linton, R 1945)
Do you think that we have instincts
which direct our behaviour?
Since humans have no instincts to direct their actions, guidelines for behaviour
are needed which must be learned.
(Reflect on this sentence and discuss with your group, do you believe we have
certain instincts for behaviour? What about the maternal instinct for instance?
Jot down points made during your discussion as this will be examined later
during this session)
As students of sociology you will be expected to provide evidence in support of all of your
arguments in assessed work.
These guidelines for behaviour must be shared by all members of society in
order for it to run effectively. Shared culture means that we can communicate
and cooperate.
CULTURE has two essential qualities:
1. It is learned
2. It is shared
Without it there would be no human society!
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2. Ann Gibbons 2011/2012
To a large extent culture determines how we think and feel: it directs our
actions and defines our outlook on life.
All societies have common problems, how we deal with these is culturally
determined.
For example infanticide and geronticide have been practised by some societies
to reduce the population in times of famine.
Eating babies and sending our older relatives out into the frozen wastes to die appears
heartless and strange to Westerners.
However in the context of particular societies, they are sensible, rational and an accepted
part of life. (Haralambos, 2000)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcEfzHB08QE
In small groups research one other example of culturally defined behaviour.
Create an A4 fact sheet to present your findings complete
withreferencedsources of your information.
Choose a particular culture and working in pairs produce a powerpoint
presentation which incorporates pictures and text celebrating their uniqueness
(question - are they unique or are many cultures overly influenced by American
culture now?)
These activities will not be formally assessed but will provide evidence of
learning for your portfolio as well as developing your writing and presentation
skills, however I will give informal feedback and support.
Socialisation
We learn the culture of our particular society through the process of socialisation, normally referred
to as either primary socialisation or secondary socialisation.
Primary socialisation occurs in infancy and usually within the family, through approval and
disapproval of the parents and by copying their example, the child learns the language and many of
the behaviour patterns of its society.
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3. Ann Gibbons 2011/2012
Secondary socialisation in Western society is also important in teaching the individual howto the
This process is considered to be extremely important by sociologists especially in relation conform
to the accepted ways of a social group and toto direct their actions’.
earlier statement ‘humans have no instincts develop the understanding that social life is based on
rules. Secondary socialisation involves other important agencies other than the family, for instance
the educational system the workplace and the media.of this video.
Watch the following and reflect on your impressions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93HymGXC_wM
Socialisation is a lifelong process.
The commentator mentioned the nature/nurture debate, research this in relation to sociology and
An individual whodemonstrating your understanding ofgenerally not be defined as ‘normal’ by the
write 500 words hasn’t experienced socialisation will this concept.
standards of his/her own society. (Genie, feral children).
An article to read:http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4804490&page=1
NB. Cases of neglect appear to be rising in the
Was ‘Genie’ treated ethically?
UKhttp://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2011/07/14/117180/Care-applications-continue-to-
rise-as-court-delays-continue.htm
Socialisation involving prolonged interaction with adults is essential not only for fitting new
members into society but also to the process of becoming human!
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