Chapter 3 CULTURAL CONFORMITY ADAPTATION SECTION 1 THE

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Chapter 3 CULTURAL CONFORMITY & ADAPTATION

Chapter 3 CULTURAL CONFORMITY & ADAPTATION

SECTION 1: THE AMERICAN VALUE SYSTEM • Certain values are shared by the majority

SECTION 1: THE AMERICAN VALUE SYSTEM • Certain values are shared by the majority of Americans • Robin Williams outlined a set of 15 values that are central to the American way of life

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT • Value because our nation was built on individualism and competition •

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT • Value because our nation was built on individualism and competition • Most evident in the area of employment • Usually measured in terms of wealth and power

WORK • Value regardless of the rewards involved • Seen as a sign of

WORK • Value regardless of the rewards involved • Seen as a sign of virtue • People who choose not to work are viewed as lazy or immoral

MORALITY AND HUMANITARIANISM • U. S. was founded upon strong religious faith • Also

MORALITY AND HUMANITARIANISM • U. S. was founded upon strong religious faith • Also was founded upon a belief in justice & equality • Most Americans view the world in terms of right & wrong (morality) • They are also quick to help those in need (humanitarianism)

EFFICIENCY & PRACTICALITY • Americans tend to believe that every problem has a solution

EFFICIENCY & PRACTICALITY • Americans tend to believe that every problem has a solution • We tend to judge items based on their usefulness (practicality) and people on their ability to get things done (efficiency)

PROGRESS & MATERIAL COMFORT • We tend to believe that with hard work and

PROGRESS & MATERIAL COMFORT • We tend to believe that with hard work and determination life will continue to improve (progress) • We believe in the ability of science to make the world a better & more comfortable place (material comfort)

EQUALITY & DEMOCRACY • U. S. was founded upon the principle of equality •

EQUALITY & DEMOCRACY • U. S. was founded upon the principle of equality • Americans believe that democracy is the best form of government

FREEDOM • Americans value freedom of personal choice and freedom from direct government interference

FREEDOM • Americans value freedom of personal choice and freedom from direct government interference in people’s daily lives and business dealings

SELF-FULFILLMENT • A commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talents, and potential

SELF-FULFILLMENT • A commitment to the full development of one’s personality, talents, and potential • Significant new value that has emerged in the U. S. • Some scientist view this as harmful – Christopher Lasch: wrote The Culture of Narcissism • Extreme self-centeredness

Social Control • Every society develops norms that reflect values its members consider important

Social Control • Every society develops norms that reflect values its members consider important • Norms must be upheld for society to run smoothly • Two basic means through which norms are enforced: – Internalization – Sanctions

Internalization of Norms • When we believe a norm is good, useful, etc. we

Internalization of Norms • When we believe a norm is good, useful, etc. we generally follow it and expect others to do the same • We make norms so much a part of who we are we don’t even have to think about it… we JUST DO IT

Sanctions • When we don’t internalize norms we sometimes have to be motivated by

Sanctions • When we don’t internalize norms we sometimes have to be motivated by sanctions. • Two types of sanctions: – Positive: – Negative: • Each of these can be Formal or Informal

Social Control • Enforcing norms through sanctions or internalization. • Agents of social control

Social Control • Enforcing norms through sanctions or internalization. • Agents of social control include: – – – Authority figures Police Courts Religion Family

Sources of Social Change • Values & Beliefs – Ideology – Social Movement •

Sources of Social Change • Values & Beliefs – Ideology – Social Movement • Technology • Discovery • • – Invention Population Diffusion Physical Environment Wars & Conquest

Resistance to Change • Ethnocentrism • Cultural Lag • Vested Interests

Resistance to Change • Ethnocentrism • Cultural Lag • Vested Interests