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The Elements Of Culture In Sarah's Story '

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“Society refers to people who live in a defined territory and share a way of life” (Macionis, 1.1). Us as humans rely on culture rather than instinct to create a way of life and ensure our survival (Macionis, 2.1.2). Culture is defined as the objects created by a society as well as the ways of thinking, acting, and behaving in a society. Culture includes what we think, how we act, and what we own (Macionis, 2.1). Sarah the sociology student, has shared a story which includes elements of culture, involving material and nonmaterial culture that were created by society.

Elements include; norms, language, symbols, beliefs, values, and folkways. Norms are defined as a way of guiding behavior through rules and expectations (Macionis, 2.2.4). Examples …show more content…

Examples from the book using language include the alphabets used in many different languages, and serves as a direction in which to write. In Sarah’s story she included the language she used which was specifically a Southern accent. Symbols are anything with a particular meaning that is shared within a culture (Macionis, 2.2.1). Examples in the book include a word, whistle, graffitti, a red light flashing, and or a raised fist. Sarah’s story includes a example of a symbol which is the badge on the officer which states “Protect and Serve”. Beliefs are ideas or thoughts that people believe to be true, this beliefs are either true or false (Macionis, 2.2.3). Sarah’s story includes a popular example in which is the popular belief that most college students drink. Values are described as standards and guidelines in which people use to decide what is good for social living, is the difference between good and bad (Macionis,2.2.3). Sociologist Robin Williams Jr had identified key values of the U.S. Culture. These ten key values included; equal opportunity, achievement and success, material comfort, activity and work, practicality and efficiency, progress, science, democracy, and free enterprise, freedom, racism, and group

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