Cultures, Subcultures, and Countercultures: Crash Course Sociology #11

Summary

This script delves into the complexities of culture, emphasizing it's not just about nationality or language but a blend of influences unique to each individual. It explores cultural classifications like high and low culture, mainstream versus subcultures, and the concept of ethnocentrism. The role of counter-cultures and the dynamics of cultural change through inventions, discoveries, and diffusion are discussed. The video also examines sociological perspectives on cultural diversity, highlighting the ongoing debate between structural functionalism and conflict theory.

Takeaways

• 🌐 There is no definitive number of cultures in the world due to the complex and overlapping nature of cultural elements within and across societies.
• 🔍 Culture encompasses more than nationality and language; individuals within the same geographical area can have distinct cultural backgrounds.
• 🧩 The concept of 'culture' is not just about grouping norms, symbols, and languages, but also about understanding the influences that shape a society's cultural identity.
• 🏙️ Within a single country or city, various cultures coexist, each with its unique blend of influences, indicating the diversity within a shared space.
• 🎭 The terms 'high culture' and 'low culture' distinguish between cultural patterns associated with societal elites and those popular among the general population, respectively.
• 🎨 'High culture' does not imply superiority; it refers to the cultural expressions of a society's elite, while 'low culture' or 'popular culture' represents the mainstream preferences.
• 🏆 Examples like the Oscars and People's Choice Awards illustrate the contrast between high and low culture, with different criteria for recognition and popularity.
• 🌟 Mainstream culture represents the dominant cultural ideals and values of a society, often in contrast with subcultures that have distinct cultural expressions.
• 🤹‍♂️ Subcultures, such as the 'hipster' movement, are groups with specific cultural practices that set them apart from the mainstream, sometimes influencing the broader culture.
• 🗽 The 'melting pot' metaphor for the United States suggests a blending of cultures, but in reality, it highlights the coexistence and sometimes the hierarchy of various cultural influences.
• 🌱 Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge other cultures based on one's own cultural standards, which can lead to biases and misinterpretations of cultural practices.
• 🌈 Multiculturalism promotes the recognition and equal standing of all cultural traditions, advocating for a society that values cultural diversity and avoids ethnocentrism.

Q & A

What are some elements that constitute a culture?

Elements that constitute a culture include norms, symbols, and languages, which are lumped together to form a cohesive set of shared practices and beliefs.

How can two people living in the same country and speaking the same language have different cultural backgrounds?

Two people can have different cultural backgrounds due to various influences such as ethnicity, religion, social class, and personal experiences, which contribute to their unique cultural identity.

Why is there no agreed-upon number of cultures in the world?

There is no agreed-upon number of cultures because culture is fluid and encompasses a wide range of influences and variations, even within a single city or country.

What is the difference between low culture and high culture?

Low culture, also known as popular culture, includes cultural behaviors and ideas that are popular with most people in a society. High culture refers to cultural patterns that distinguish a society's elite and does not necessarily imply better culture.

How does mainstream culture differ from subcultures?

Mainstream culture consists of cultural patterns that align broadly with a society's ideals and values and are widely accepted. Subcultures, on the other hand, are cultural patterns that set apart a specific segment of the population and may differ significantly from the mainstream.

What is ethnocentrism and why is it problematic?

Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging one culture by the standards of another, often one's own. It is problematic because it can lead to bias and unfair evaluation of other cultures, overlooking their unique values and practices.

What is the concept of a 'melting pot' in relation to cultures?

The 'melting pot' concept refers to the idea that many cultures come together in a society to form a single, combined culture. However, this concept may not accurately represent the reality of cultural diversity and the persistence of distinct subcultures.

How can cultural change occur?

Cultural change can occur through invention, discovery, and cultural diffusion. Inventions can be material or conceptual, discoveries can introduce new elements to a culture, and cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural traits from one culture to another.

What is the role of counter-cultures in society?

Counter-cultures push back on mainstream culture and attempt to change societal functions. They can act as catalysts for cultural change, especially if they gain enough mainstream support to influence societal norms and values.

How do structural functionalism and conflict theory view the role of culture in society?

Structural functionalism sees culture as providing order and cohesiveness in society, promoting cooperation and societal function. Conflict theory, on the other hand, suggests that cultural differences can create social inequalities and benefit some members of society more than others, potentially leading to division.

What is the significance of cultural lag in the context of cultural change?

Cultural lag refers to the phenomenon where some elements of culture change more slowly than others, leading to a discrepancy between current practices and their original context or purpose, such as the continued tradition of summer vacations despite the change in societal structure.