Culture

• Cultural trait is the smallest unit of culture, for example, shaking hands
• Complexes are combinations of traits, like a dance group
• Pattern is when cultural complexes combine, such as an industrial township
• Cultural institution is a configuration of needs, like the family or societal structure of relationships
• Material culture consists of physical objects, such as homes or neighborhoods
• Non-material culture includes creations and abstract ideas, like social roles, rules, and beliefs
• Symbols and languages are used to convey meaning
• Values represent what is considered right and wrong, for example, in religion
• Norms dictate correct behavior and are enforced with sanctions
• Folkways are customary, habits, followed automatically, like ways of greeting
• Mores influence moral conduct and can be compared to laws
• Cultural variability - culture is not uniform
• Cultural universality suggests that cultures are universal
• Counter culture - opposes or rejects the dominant culture
• Acculturation refers to cultural contact and diffusion
• Subculture can be seen in youth culture or working group culture