The Sociological Answer : Culture

Symbols that represent Canadian Culture.

National Anthem a symbol of our culture Symbols are important components of a

people’s culture. People become emotionally attached to symbols and are reluctant to change or modify them.

Example of this was in 1964 when the government wanted Canada to have its own flag.

Hockey, the beaver, beer, Eh?, Celine Dion, Wayne Gretzky.

Human Interactions and Culture:

Culture is a characteristic that continues to define humanity and it is the area of human development that is analyzed by sociologists.

Although animals indicate some aspects of culture, such a division of labour, social structure, and in some cases hierarchical structure, this is the result of genetic programming.

Humans are not as confined by culture. They change their environment and pass the changes on to their children. Culture develops and evolves in a social framework.

Culture consists of elements that are unique to this species. It includes beliefs that are shared ideas explaining past experiences, present circumstances, or predictions for the future.

Values: Form a significant aspect of culture since they are shared standards of what is considered right and morally acceptable. Ie Religion

Norms: Compliment values in that they are rules established by society to indicate what people should do or how they should react in certain situations, such as standing for the anthem.

Can anyone name any symbols that might represent certain cultures?

Evolving Culture:

Since culture is the product of human interaction and evolution, it changes. What did the culture of the 1960’s look like? Did it look the same as today?

Alterations can be the result of shifts in the natural environment such as climate or population demographics.

Contact with other cultures Discovery and invention can also alter

culture ( Medical advances)