Who We Are:

What is Culture?

Culture means any information about behaviour that is transmitted from one person to another which enables people to live together successfully.

The way we look at culture can be influenced by:

1. Ethnocentrism: a tendency to judge another culture by one’s own views. Usually, other cultures are seen as inferior

2. Cultural Relativism: an attitude of acceptance and respect towards all cultures

Symbol: A concrete object or artifact that is used to represent an abstract concept.

Dove of PeaceThe dove is shown in flight, to represent its role as a messenger. The olive branch dates back to ancient Greece and represents two people or groups reaching out for peace – hence the phrase, extending an olive branch.

What about these symbols…

‘Swastika’ literally means ‘lucky or auspicious object’ – it is, in other words, a talisman of good fortune! Since WWII it has taken on more negative tones but it is still seen as a symbol of prosperity in many Asian countries.

The maple leaf is one of the national symbols of Canada. It was chosen to represent Canada’s abundant natural resources but also references our pioneer history, as maple trees were once used to provide food, shelter, and heat.

Signal: A movement or event that passes information and/ or ideas.

HandshakeDepending on when, and why, you shake hands a lot of information can be transmitted. It can be used to welcome somebody, or even close a business deal.

…and now, a TABLEAU!

Working with the person beside you, think of a ‘signal’ used in everyday communication, to send a message.

Together create a tableau – frozen scene – displaying this signal.

A standard shared by members of a group to which members are expected to conform.

It’s the most typical behaviour, attitude, or opinion found in a group.

Some norms are written down, while others are more flexible.

e.g. You should NEVER pick your nose – in public.

Definition? Common ways of behaving Etiquette and manners

Example? Appropriate dress for a

wedding or funeral

State of Change? Constantly in a state of

change as society’ views on what is acceptable or not changes

Definition? Represents the

moral views of a group

Represents common ways of behaving

Example? Drinking and driving

is unacceptable Cheating on a

boyfriend/girlfriend is unacceptable

State of Change? May change with

new social conditions

What social mores are being challenged in this ad?

Definition? Formal norms as

determined by the government and set out in writing.

Example? Criminal Code of

Canada. Canadian Charter of

Rights and Freedoms.

State of Change?Laws are slowly changed or introduced based on society’s values.

Definition? A punishment, or a

reward, that serves to change behaviour. It hopes to create conformity.

Examples? Expulsion from school

for cheating on an exam Going to jail for

committing a crime

Definition? A belief, concept, or

idea that is regarded as being good or having value.

Examples?

Young people should try and attend college or university after high school.

Definition? Refers to the physical objects

that are created by groups of people

Examples? Clothing Tools Paintings or artistic expression