Exam 4: Culture and Social Structure

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1. Provision of basic needs: Every society must ensure that its members have access to food, water, shelter, and other basic necessities for survival. This may involve systems of agriculture, trade, and infrastructure to ensure that these needs are met.

2. Social organization and governance: Every society must have a system for organizing its members and making decisions that affect the community as a whole. This may involve systems of government, laws, and social norms that dictate how individuals interact with each other and with the larger society.

3. Education and transmission of knowledge: Every society must have a means of passing on knowledge, skills, and cultural traditions to the next generation. This may involve formal education systems, as well as informal methods of teaching and learning within families and communities. This ensures that the society can continue to function and adapt to changing circumstances.

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Cultural lag refers to the time it takes for society to adapt to changes in technology, values, and norms. It occurs when the material culture changes more rapidly than the non-material culture, leading to a disconnect between the two. This can create social problems and conflicts as society struggles to adjust to these changes.

One way to address cultural lags in society is through education and awareness. By teaching people about the changes happening in society and the reasons behind them, we can help bridge the gap between material and non-material culture. Additionally, promoting open-mindedness and tolerance can help individuals and communities adapt to new cultural norms and values.

Another way to address cultural lags is through policy and legislation. By enacting laws and regulations that reflect the changing cultural landscape, we can help facilitate the transition to new societal norms and values.

Two examples of cultural lags in society include:

1. Gender roles: While the material culture has evolved to provide more opportunities for women in the workforce, the non-material culture still holds onto traditional gender roles and expectations. This can lead to conflicts in the workplace and at home as society struggles to adapt to these changing dynamics.

2. Environmental awareness: With the rapid advancements in technology and industry, the material culture has created new environmental challenges. However, the non-material culture has been slower to adopt sustainable practices and attitudes towards the environment. This cultural lag can lead to detrimental effects on the planet and future generations if not addressed.

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Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior within a society. They dictate how individuals should act in various social situations and are often based on cultural values and beliefs.

In our textbook, three types of social norms are identified: folkways, mores, and laws.

Folkways are informal norms that govern everyday behavior and are based on traditional customs and manners. They are considered less serious than other types of norms and are often enforced through informal social sanctions. An example of a folkway is the expectation to say "please" and "thank you" in social interactions.

Mores are more serious and deeply ingrained social norms that are based on moral and ethical principles. They carry a greater sense of importance and are often enforced through formal social sanctions. An example of a more is the societal expectation to not engage in acts of theft or dishonesty.

Laws are formal norms that are codified and enforced by a governing authority. They are often based on mores and are backed by the legal system. An example of a law is the prohibition of driving under the influence of alcohol.

In modern society, examples of social norms include the expectation to dress professionally in a work setting and the norm of respecting personal space in public places. These norms help to maintain order and cohesion within society by guiding individual behavior and interactions.