fear that the sociobiological approach could be used as an argument against efforts to assist disadvantaged people, such as schoolchildren who are not competing successfully (Freese 2008; Machalek and Martin 2010; E. Wilson 2000). Read each question carefully and then select or provide the best answer. 1. Which of the following is an aspect of culture? a. a comic book b. patriotic attachment to the flag of the United States c. slang words d. all of the above 2. People’s adaptations to meet the needs for food, shelter, and clothing are examples of what George Murdock referred to as a. norms. b. folkways. c. cultural universals. d. cultural practices. 3. What is the term used when one places a priority on understanding other cultures, rather than dismissing them as “strange” or “exotic”? a. cultural relativism b. culture shock c. ethnocentrism d. cultural value 4. In contrast to ethnocentrists, cultural relativists employ what Max Weber called neutrality. Answers 1 (d); 2 (c); 3 (a); 4 value • A shared culture helps to define the group or society to which individuals belong. • Cultural universals, or common practices found in every culture, include marriage, sports, cooking, medicine, and sexual restrictions. Although such practices are universal, their expression varies from culture to culture. LO 7-2 Compare and contrast ethnocentrism and cultural relativism. • People who assume that their culture is superior to others engage in ethnocentrism. In contrast, cultural relativism is the practice of viewing the behavior of other people from the perspective of their culture. • Cultural relativists demonstrate the application of value neutrality, as defined by Max Weber. LO 7-3 Illustrate the differences between sociobiological and sociological explanations of human social behavior. • Sociobiology explains aspects of culture from the point of view of biology, especially natural selection. In this view, many cultural traits and behaviors exist today because they have contributed to a culture’s survival. • Many sociological theorists, including conflict theorists and other interactionists, reject the more extreme versions of sociobiology. KEY TERMS Cultural relativism The viewing of people’s behavior from the perspective of their own culture. Cultural universals A common practice or belief found in every culture. Culture The totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and behavior. Culture industry The worldwide media industry that standardizes the goods and services demanded by consumers. Ethnocentrism The tendency to assume that one’s own culture and way of life represent the norm or are superior to all others. Society A fairly large number of people who live in the same territory, are relatively independent of people outside their area, and participate in a common culture. Sociobiology The systematic study of how biology affects human social behavior. Consider these questions to get a deeper understanding of the material. 1. Select two cultural universals from George Murdock’s list and analyze them from a functionalist perspective. Why are these practices found in every culture? What functions do they serve? 2. What are some of the problems with looking at social behavior from a sociobiological point of view? What are some benefits? How useful do you find this perspective? RECAP LO 7-1 Explain the sociological meaning of culture and society. • Culture is the totality of learned, socially transmitted customs, knowledge, material objects, and behavior shared by a particular group of people. MODULE SEVEN The Study of Culture 63
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