Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan
By Ann Kennedy, 2010 Fellow
Overview:
Students will examine the meaning of culture and various elements that make the cultures of the
United States and Japan unique. Students will use the World Wide Web to research their
answers.
Instructional Objectives:
Students will identify elements of culture and explain their meaning.
Students will compare Japanese culture with culture in the United States.
Time: One class period
Materials Needed:
Computer with Internet access
Worksheet
Procedure:
1. Review with students the definition of culture.
2. Review with students the variety of elements that contribute to culture.
3. Distribute copies of the handout, Elements of Culture: Comparing the United
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States and Japan.
Tell students that they are to work with a partner to answer the following
question:
If an alien landed in your backyard and wanted to know about the culture
of the people of the United States, what would you answer?
Conduct a whole class discussion to allow students to share their answers. Use
the handout to categorize the answers.
Next ask students the following question - If the alien pointed to a map and said,
“Now, tell me about the culture of the people who live in Japan, what would you
say?”
Use this time to determine what the students know about Japan. Most likely their
knowledge is limited to stereotypes. Tell them that they are going to use the
World Wide Web to read about Japan and complete the worksheet.
FOLLOW-UP ASSIGNMENT: Have students make posters showing the cultural
differences between Japan and the United States.
Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan
Sociologists use several elements to help define culture and explain how culture is expressed in different
countries around the world. Complete the following chart of selected elements of culture. For each
element listed explain what it means and then give an appropriate answer for culture in the United
States and in Japan.
ELEMENT
Symbols
Values
Norms
Mores
Art
Religion
and beliefs
Language
Social
Collectives
MEANING
U.S. EXAMPLES
Something that represents meaning
to the culture.
Something of great worth or value in
a culture; a standard or judgment of
what is right, good, desirable, or
held in high esteem.
Rules of behavior that tell members
of a culture how to behave in
various situations.
A mores is a norm that is so strong
that violation of it carries a social
sanction. Mores are essential to the
well-being of the whole society.
A form of expression that comes in a
variety of forms including music,
dance, drama, and visual arts.
Rituals and traditions practiced.
These may be religious but may
include anything the people hold to
be important.
Sounds and written symbols that a
society uses to communicate and
interact.
Social groups, organizations,
communities, institutions, and social
classes.
JANANESE EXAMPLES
POSSIBLE ANSWERS:
Elements of Culture: Comparing the United States and Japan
Sociologists use several elements to help define culture and explain how culture is expressed in different
countries around the world. Complete the following chart of selected elements of culture. For each
element listed explain what it means and then give an appropriate answer for culture in the United
States and in Japan.
ELEMENT
Symbols
Values
Norms
Mores
Art
Religion
and beliefs
Language
Social
Collectives
MEANING
Something that represents meaning
to the culture.
Something of great worth or value in
a culture; a standard or judgment of
what is right, good, desirable, or
held in high esteem.
Rules of behavior that tell members
of a culture how to behave in
various situations.
A mores is a norm that is so strong
that violation of it carries a social
sanction. Mores are essential to the
well-being of the whole society.
A form of expression that comes in a
variety of forms including music,
dance, drama, and visual arts.
Rituals and traditions practiced.
These may be religious but may
include anything the people hold to
be important.
Sounds and written symbols that a
society uses to communicate and
interact.
Social groups, organizations,
communities, institutions, and social
classes.
U.S. EXAMPLES
Statue of Liberty
Personal freedom and
liberty; equality of
opportunity
JANANESE EXAMPLES
Mt. Fuji; Geisha,
Miyajima; Kimono
Public peace and order,
high standard of
education
Wearing a cap and
gown at graduation.
Turn off cell phone at a
funeral or wedding.
Parking your car across
the lawn rather than in
the driveway.
Slurp your noodles
when eating!
Bow when you meet
someone.
Littering is forbidden,
Hip Hop music and
dance, High School
Musical
Christianity – baptism,
prayer, churches
Calligraphy, Haiku,
Kabuki, origami
English, Spanish,
Vietnamese, etc. “Good
morning”
Band, scouts, Sororities,
Middle Class
Japanese – “oh-HAHyah”
Shintoism, Buddhism,
shrines, temples
School clubs