Exam 2: Culture

Language allows culture to develop by freeing people to move beyond their immediate experiences.

Americans usually recognize hard work, education, and efficiency as desired qualities. Where one of these qualities is found, the other two also apply. This is an example of ________.

Pigs, spiders, elephants, and other animals that rely solely on instinct act as they do because they lack a ________.

Most American high schools routinely schedule ceremonies to recognize the most talented student athletes and scholars. Such activities illustrate the importance that Americans place on which value, as defined by sociologist Robin Williams?

Lamont believes in democracy and equality, and when asked to describe himself he cites his appreciation for people of all races and ethnic heritages. But at the same time, Lamont believes women should not be in the armed services and he avoids taking courses from female professors. In view of this, which statement best describes Lamont?

Every December, many Jewish families celebrate Chanukah, the "festival of lights," during which special foods are served, rituals are practiced, and traditional activities take place that are unique to this faith. In this context, members of the Jewish faith would represent which concept?

Ethnocentrism is purely a negative trait with no redeeming qualities.

The U.S. is made up of many different groups. This classifies it as a __________.

Which of Williams' U.S. values is contradicts the other values of freedom, democracy, and equality?

Culture wars not only identify differences in values and norms, but they may also result in violence and strife among members of the same society.

The anthropologist who gathered data on hundreds of groups around the world to compare their customs, and then concluded that specific customs differed from one group to another, was ________.

The emerging tools and the skills needed to use them, which have a significant impact on social life, are called ________.

Values, norms, and other cultural traits found in all societies are called ________.

Sociologists agree that human behavior has been bred into us through evolutionary principles.

People from all walks of life, races, religions, and ethnic groups participate in the U.S. legislative process. In view of this, which term best describes American society?

What is a culture war? Are culture wars beneficial to society?

Many fundamentalist Christians lobby for laws making same-sex marriage illegal. Gays and lesbians consider same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage as basic human rights. Which concept best describes the relationship between these fundamentalist Christians and the gay/lesbian community?

What is language?

While in the Peace Corps, Kristina enjoyed a delicious Cambodian dinner that included several entrees. Later that evening she was told that one of the entrees was roast dog, the same canine Kristina was playing with the day before. At this point Kristina became ill and swore she would be a vegetarian as long as she was in Cambodia. Which statement most applies to Kristina's experience?

The term "cultural lag," referring to the varying ________ among elements within cultures, was coined by sociologist ________.